Kentucky Wildcats Basketball Preview: #1 Darius Miller
By Paul Jordan
#1 DARIUS MILLER
6’8 235
SENIOR – GUARD
MASON COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
MAYESVILLE, KY
LAST SEASON
PPG: 10.9
RPG: 4.6
FG %: 47.8
FT% 85.3
3-PT% 44.3
Perhaps the defining moment of Darius Miller’s season was a shot that he did not take. Kentucky was up one on the road at Ole Miss and was running down the shot clock. Ole Miss played good defense, not allowing any separation until the ball was passed to Miller with with about :20 on the game. Miller passed up a wide open shot and attempted to drive with the ball. The defender was on him by now and he passed the ball to DeAndre Liggins at the top of the key, who had a hand in his face and got off a horrible shot as the clock expired. At the other end, Chris Warren nailed a 3-pointer with :07 remaining and Ole Miss won the game 71-69.
That game seemed to mark the height of Kentucky fan’s frustration with Miller. Like in his previous seasons at Kentucky, Miller was pretty much “hit and miss”. He would have some nice games and then go through a stretch where he seemed to disappear and not make an impact in the stat line. Prior to the Ole Miss game, he had scored in double digits five straight games and seemed to be coming around. Against Ole Miss, he took just four shots and had three points as Kentucky lost another tough road game.
That game seemed to mark the end of “Disappearius Miller” and the emergence of the leader Darius Miller. Miller started becoming more involved in the offense and taking more shots. Despite the change, he like the rest of the team, struggled on the road and Miller played just 18 minutes in a loss to Vandy. But after that game, it was a whole new Miller, who scored in double digits the next 10 games and who helped to put the season back on track with 24 points in a critical win over Florida. Miller has also emerged as one of this team’s most consistent three point shooters with a trey in his last 25 games.
During his ten game streak closing out the season, Miller averaged 15.6 points a game. He also scored 15 points in the first half against Princeton in the NCAA Tournament, so he has evolved to the type of player that can carry this team on his back for short periods of time.
I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER
During his time at Kentucky, Darius has not shied away from trying to improve himself over this summer. This year, he was a member of the World University Team that played in China. Team USA blazed through the preliminary round with a 5-0 mark, but lost their first medal quarterfinals game to Lithuania 76-74. Team USA finished with a 7-1 record over the summer, which resulted in a disappointing 5th place finish.
Miller played in all eight games, starting five and averaged 5.6 points and 3.6 rebounds a game. Darius kept his shooting eye over in China, hitting 47.1% of his FG’s and 45.5% of his treys. Such an experience is always good for a player and Miller has proven to be the consummate team player in his endeavors overseas. Such experience will help him no matter what role he takes this year.
WHAT TO EXPECT THIS YEAR?
This season will mark the third straight year at Kentucky that there is rampant speculation about how much time Darrius will actually see the court. but all he has done the previous two seasons is start 69 of the 76 games. Miller should start the season at the SF position, but most pundits expect freshman Michael Gilchrist to eventually take that role by the end of the year. It’s no slight to Miller, but Gilchrist is arguably one of the 5 most skilled players in the last three draft classes. Gilchrist has recently said that he does not have to start to produce and the same should be said for Miller.
What makes Miller so important is his versatility. He may see time as the back up point guard until Twany Beckham is eligible to play in late December. He can also step in at the two guard and even play the four position. Miller is also expected to provide senior leadership and that, with the fact that he is extremely versatile, means Miller will see plenty of time on the court, regardless of position. Miller has played on superstar laden teams both abroad and at Kentucky, so it’s not like he needs to have a role defined to massage his ego. Miller is one of the most unselfish and tireless workers on this team, as well as a nasty defender. Miller is also a champion, having won the 2008 state championship at Mason County.
Due to these reasons, expect Miller to be the straw that stirs the drink for Kentucky this year. Expect to see the “end of the season Darius” this year as opposed to the early part of the schedule when he struggled with consistency. He will be a leader, but that will be shared with returning players like Doron Lamb and Terrence Jones as well. Stats wise, I would not see a big upswing over last season, but a 12 point, 6 rebound average is not out of the question. As good as last year’s team was, I think this year’s squad is more talented top to bottom and has 6-7 players who can lead the team in scoring on any given night, and Miller is in that group. While he was not as vocal a leader last year, look for Darius to take charge more and be the key component that will lead Kentucky to title number eight.
CALIPARI on MILLER
“Darius should epitomize what it means to be a senior this year. He’s been in the program for three years, in the Dribble Drive Motion Offense for two and has played with Team USA twice. He’s experienced, stronger and talented. I’ve said before that he is capable of being one of the best players in the SEC, and I think we will see that this season.”
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