Florida State star freshman Baba Miller loses NCAA appeal, will miss first 16 games
The Florida State men’s basketball team will be without one of its most promising players for the first half of this season, as star wing Baba Miller has lost an NCAA appeal related to improper travel before he was recruited by the Seminoles.
According to a press release Friday from FSU, Miller received travel assistance between his home in Spain and the United States for a training camp, and that has caused him to be penalized 50 percent of his freshman season.
Because his family repaid the money and it was not related to Florida State, the Seminoles were hoping to have the penalty lifted. He will be eligible to play in the Seminoles’ final 15 ACC games and any postseason tournaments.
FSU athletics director Michael Alford said he was “disappointed” with the NCAA’s determination.
In Florida State’s preseason exhibition on Thursday night, Miller scored 11 points and grabbed seven rebounds.
When he committed to Florida State over Gonzaga and others earlier this year, Miller was seen as one of the most “intriguing” international prospects in this recruiting cycle. He is a 6-foot-11 forward who can play on the perimeter like a guard.
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Here is the release from Florida State:
Florida State University received notification Friday that its final appeal of the reinstatement of men’s basketball student-athlete, Baba Miller, has been denied by the NCAA Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement. As a result of the denial and based on the initial terms of his reinstatement, Miller will be required to sit out 50 percent of the regular season games this season.
Prior to his recruitment by Florida State, Miller received travel to and from a training camp from his native Spain to the United States. Upon learning of relevant NCAA rules, Miller and his family immediately repaid the benefits received.
“I am very disappointed with the committee’s decision based on the facts presented,” Vice President and Director of Athletics Michael Alford said. “The decision seems disproportionate and inconsistent in today’s modern environment. It’s unfortunate that Baba will have to endure this penalty.”
Miller will continue to practice with the team in preparation for his Seminole debut on January 11, 2023, at Wake Forest.
*ALSO SEE: Observations from FSU’s Thursday exhibition
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