Oliver Miller, the previous Arkansas standout who performed 9 seasons within the NBA, has died on the age of 54.
A number of of his former groups, together with the Nationwide Basketball Retired Gamers Affiliation, confirmed his passing on Wednesday. Whereas the reason for dying was not disclosed, Arkansas had beforehand introduced that Miller was battling most cancers.
Final month, he acknowledged the staff’s video tribute to him on social media.
Nicknamed “The Large O” for his imposing 6-foot-9, 280-pound body— which later exceeded 300 kilos throughout his skilled profession— Miller made his mark at Arkansas from 1988 to 1992.
He averaged 12.2 factors and 6.5 rebounds over 4 seasons, taking part in a key position in guiding Corridor of Fame coach Nolan Richardson’s 1989-90 staff to the Ultimate 4. In 1991, he was named Southwest Convention Participant of the 12 months.
“We’re deeply saddened by the passing of Arkansas legend Oliver Miller,” Arkansas acknowledged in a social media submit. “A key member of the 1990 Ultimate 4 staff, an SWC Corridor of Famer, a first-round NBA draft choose, and a real embodiment of the Razorback spirit. We love you, Large O. Our ideas are together with his household.”
Miller was chosen twenty second general by the Phoenix Suns within the 1992 NBA Draft. Over his profession, he averaged 7.4 factors and 5.9 rebounds whereas taking part in for the Suns, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
His basketball journey additionally took him to Europe, the Continental Basketball Affiliation, america Basketball League, and even a stint with the Harlem Globetrotters.
The Toronto Raptors, who chosen Miller within the 1995 growth draft, honored him with a second of silence earlier than their recreation in opposition to the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday.
“He holds a particular place in our historical past as a member of our inaugural staff in 1995, and we’re so grateful for all his contributions,” the Raptors posted on social media. “We ship our deepest condolences to the Miller household.”