Jordan Miller emotional after going in NBA Draft: "I can’t even put it into words, I really can’t"
Jordan’s Miller’s road led from George Mason to the University of Miami for the last two years … and now the NBA.
Miller joined Isaiah Wong as second round NBA Draft selections last night, with Miller going No. 48 overall to the L.A. Clippers and Wong getting taken by the Indiana Pacers with the 55th pick.
Miller couldn’t control his excitement after he became the first Hurricane draftee since Dewan Hernandez in 2019.
“It’s a surreal feeling for sure,” Miller said. “I’m still processing, but to hear my name get called – a lifelong dream of mine since I was a kid. I had my goals kind of come true. I can’t even put it into words, I really can’t.
“Just happy, blessed.”
Miller helped lead Miami to its first-ever Elite Eight two years ago and then a program-first Final 4 this past season.
After starting for three years at George Mason (averaging double-digits each year with a high of 15.8 PPG in 2020-21) he transferred to Miami in 2021 and averaged 10.0 points and 5.9 rebounds.
Then this past season averaged 15.3 points and 6.2 rebounds.
Miller and Wong give Miami Hurricanes first NBA Draft selections since 2019
He was especially strong in the NCAA Tournament, scoring 19 points against Indiana, adding 13 points, six rebound and four assists vs. Houston, tallying 27 points on perfect 7-7 shooting (and 13-13 free throws) in the win over Texas and then scoring 11 points with 10 rebounds in the loss to Connecticut that ended the season.
“Man, coach L (Jim Larranaga), I can’t stress it enough – great guy, great coach, great teacher,” Miller said. “He prepares us for these moments.
“Isaiah got drafted too, so that’s more kudos to coach L and the whole staff. The development that Miami does there, the NBA players, Bruce (Brown) winning a championship, all credit to coach L and the coaching staff.”
Helping Miller when it came to the NBA Draft: He was regarded by On3 as the MVP of the NBA Combine scrimmages, with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
Now he’ll look to continue putting up big numbers at the next level.
“A life-changing experience,” Miller said. “(The Clippers) – weirdly enough I couldn’t get to L.A. for a workout, the schedule was just hectic. But coach L’s son is there, so spoke to him. He said they really liked me, had a conversation with them at the draft combine, my interview went really well. Just crazy, crazy, craziness right now.”
As for what Miller can bring to the table at the next level?
“Miller is a reliable, two-way wing,” RotoWire wrote. “He’s incrementally demonstrated growth in his game through his on-ball decision-making. After averaging 1.1 assists and a 1.29 AST/TO ratio in 2021-22, Miller climbed to 2.7 assists per game and a 2.03 AST/TO ratio in 2022-23. Additionally, he jumped from 1.9 to 3.4 free-throw attempts per game in his fifth and final season. Miller concluded his campaign with averages of 15.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.6 steals/blocks per game while shooting 54.5% from the field and 78.4% from the free-throw line.
“Miller profiles as a connective piece with a limited ceiling, but his do-it-all style as a small forward is a universal roster need. His knack for winning plays as a rebounder, clutch scorer and good wing defender forms a valuable foundation. Miller hit 35.2% of 2.5 3-point attempts per game this season, but he had never exceeded 33.3% in any campaign prior. Miller possesses a skinny frame, so bulking up, polishing his shot, or both, will be critical to carving out future roles.”
(videos courtesy of Miami Athletics)
