GREENSBORO, N.C. – The UNC Greensboro (UNCG) men's basketball program received a jolt of positive news.
Rising senior guard
Isaiah Miller completed the process of removing his name from the NBA Draft underclassmen pool and announced he will return to UNCG for his senior season. The deadline for underclassmen to remove their names from draft consideration and maintain NCAA eligibility is Aug. 3, with the COVID-19 pandemic-delayed draft scheduled for Oct. 16.
"It was a family decision," Miller said Tuesday afternoon. "I got input from several people close to me that I trust. I am excited to come back and be with my teammates for a last ride. It's going to be a great run this year. We have terrific players so we'll see where this goes."
One of the most decorated men's basketball players in UNCG history, Miller's selection as both the Southern Conference Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in 2020 was a feat that had never been accomplished previously. It was just one of many achievements for the 6'0 Covington, Georgia native.
Among his many accolades last season, Miller was named a Lute Olson Award Finalist, a Lefty Driscoll Defensive All-American, and a Lou Henson All-American and NABC First Team All-District selection.
He finished the season second in the country in total steals with 89, fourth in steals per game with 2.78 and became the program's all-time steals leader. He enters the 2020-21 season with 241 career steals. In addition, he finished second in the SoCon in scoring with a 17.8 point per game average, and dished out 2.7 assists per game.
"I learned plenty from going through the process and this experience has helped me grow as a player," Miller said. "I know exactly what NBA scouts are looking for and that will help me this year. I asked them to be real with me when offering feedback to me and they did exactly that. As I was going through the process, I just continued working."
It was challenging for Miller to showcase his special talents for NBA talent evaluators because of COVID-19. Instead, Miller's interactions were limited to virtual interviews on Zoom since NBA teams were barred from conducting in-person workouts.
Miller's return strengthens the Spartans, who return 12 players from last season's team, including second-leading scorer
Kaleb Hunter (10.8 points per game). UNCG has won at least 20 games in four consecutive seasons. Overall, UNCG returns 69.7 percent of its point production from last season.
"Isaiah handled this process with great maturity," UNCG head men's basketball coach
Wes Miller said. "He was able to meet virtually with a number of NBA teams and he received really valuable feedback. I'm confident he'll be motivated to improve as a player and continue helping our team succeed at the highest level. I truly believe Isaiah can compete in the NBA with the best players in the world and I'm excited to be a part of his growth process for another year."
