Former NBA player Mike Miller takes coaching talents to Houston High School
GERMANTOWN, Tenn. (BVM) — Memphis Grizzlies fans in Tennessee may have a new team to cheer for next high school basketball season. Longtime Grizzlies player and former NBA champion Mike Miller has been named the new head boys basketball coach at Houston High School following the retirement of head coach Charlie Leonard. This will be Miller’s first head coaching position at any level of the sport.
“I’m excited to be a part of an outstanding school like Houston,” Miller said in a school press release. The opportunity to coach these kids is going to be an awesome experience. I’m thankful for everything Coach Leonard has done for my children. I’m ready to do my best to continue the culture he quickly created and continue to build a basketball program our community will be proud of!”
Miller should have plenty of supporters when he first takes to the courtside for the Mustangs next season. During his 17-year NBA career, Miller played the most (seven seasons) with the Grizzlies while also playing for the Orlando Magic, Minnesota Timberwolves, Washington Wizards, Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets. Over his career, Miller played in 1,032 games, starting 569, while averaging 10.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists. Miller’s most pronounced impact came with the Grizzlies as he still holds franchise records for most points in a game with 45 and the most 3-pointers in a game with nine.
my guy @MikeMiller_13 https://t.co/B7s0bm2Vpx
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) July 15, 2020
After leading the Florida Gators to the national championship in 2000, Miller was drafted by the Orlando Magic with the fifth overall pick in the 2000 NBA Draft. His list of NBA accomplishments include winning the 2001 Rookie of the Year, the 2006 NBA Sixth Man of the Year and winning two NBA championships with the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013.
Miller, who last played in the NBA during the 2016-17 season, went immediately into coaching following his professional career. Miller’s coaching journey led him to the University of Memphis where he was an assistant coach under Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway and was one of the program’s top recruiters. Miller was with the program until this June when he left the program to spend more time focused on his family, according to a statement.
With the hiring, Miller will certainly be able to spend more time with his children as his sons, Mason and Maverick, played for the Mustangs last season. Mason is a top prospect in the 2021 recruiting class, much like his dad who was a McDonald’s All-American in high school. Mason is currently rated as a four-star prospect and ranked the No. 91 prospect in the country and third best in Tennessee in the Class of 2021 by ESPN. Mason has received offers from University of Memphis, Creighton University and Texas Christian University while also receiving attention from Indiana University.
The Mustangs have also seen a recent stretch of success the past few years. The team has won back-to-back district championships while also making it to the Tennessee Secondary Schools Athletic Association state tournament for the first time last season with a 26-4 record.
You know it!!! https://t.co/FfuOa7BJiA
— Mike Miller (@MikeMiller_13) July 16, 2020
Although he has yet to be the head coach for a program, the hype surrounding Miller’s arrival is at a fever pitch. Now, it will be up to Miller and the Mustangs to show they can live up to the expectations. One thing is certain, Miller will have his guys pumped up for game days.
“A special thanks to Principal Rob Taylor, Athletic Director Chad Becker and Coach Leonard for this opportunity! LET’S GET TO WORK,” Miller said in the press release.
