The fierce center Oliver Miller has passed away, who helped Arkansas advance to the Final Four before playing nine seasons in the NBA. He was 54 years old.
Several members of Miller’s former team announced his death Wednesday. The cause of death was not revealed, but Arkansas announced at an event honoring the 1990 Final Four Team that Miller had cancer.
Known as “The Big O,” with a 6-foot-9, 280-pound frame, well over 300 pounds during his NBA career, Miller stood out in Arkansas from 1988-92. He averaged 12.2 points and 6.5 rebounds in four seasons, with the 1989-90 Naismith Hall of Fame coach 1989-90 team reaching Final 4, losing to Duke in 1991, earning Southwest Conference Player of the Year honors.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Arkansas legend Oliver Miller,” Arkansas said in a social media post. “The real embodiment of the 1990 Final Four Team, SWC Hall of Fame, first round NBA draft pick, and the Razorback Spirit. We love you.
Miller was drafted by Phoenix in 1992 and had a 22nd overall pick. He continued to average 7.4 points and 5.9 rebounds for the Suns, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings and Minnesota Timberwolves. He also played for Europe, the Continental Basketball Association, the American Basketball League, and the Harlem Globetrotters.
The Raptors had a moment of silence for Miller before their home game against the Philadelphia 76ers Wednesday night. Miller was selected by Toronto as the final pick in the 1995 expansion draft.
“He held a special place in our history as a member of our inauguration team in 1995. We are very grateful for all his contributions,” the Raptors told social media. “We express our deep sadness to the Miller family.”
Report by the Associated Press.
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