IT IS A RARE OCCURRENCE THAT AN ATHLETE CAN ALMOST SINGLE-HANDEDLY ELEVATE A PROGRAM TO NEW HEIGHTS.
Fortunately for Pasadena Memorial, Robert Miller III has taken on that role and then some.
Standing at 6-foot-11, the senior PF quite literally towers over the competition, and has done so since he was a child. However, it didn’t always come easily for the No. 2 ranked player in the state.
“I started playing at the YMCA, and I was going off on everyone,” Miller laughed. “Then my Dad moved me into AAU and I began to struggle on my first team. I feel like that experience built a lot of my character, because it helped me learn to take losses and work through adversity."
“As years went on, my Dad started making me play up an age group to teach me to play faster. When I got on the high school court, the pace was slower. I’ve been put in positions to make sure I’m ready for the next level.”
His coach, Trent Oliver, understood Miller’s value to the program right away, after he transferred from Baytown Sterling his sophomore year.
“He (Miller) is definitely the best player I’ve ever coached,” said Oliver. “He has a great basketball IQ,and he’s always looking to make great plays and decisions. Miller is obviously an impressive shooter, bu the really takes pride on the defensive side of the ball, which makes him a great teammate."
“Honestly, I think he’s only beginning to tap into his potential. Imagine how good this kid can be once he maximizes that... when he’s provided with all of the resources and competition that collegiate ball can offer him.”
Speaking of, Miller will be joining a top-tier NCAA program at LSU following his graduation.
“I was drawn to LSU mainly because of the coaching staff,” Miller said. “They were adamant about making me a priority on the team, and that I could make an impact from day one. I took that into consideration, and because I used to live there and have family there, I know I won’t get homesick. I have people behind me.”
Another draw could’ve been the fact that his father, Robert Miller II, played defensive end at LSU before eventually becoming one of the football coaches at Pasadena Memorial. Additionally, his mother played basketball at Tulane,so it would appear this guy was always meant to be an athlete.
Enough about LSU, Miller has unfinished business at Pasadena Memorial.
“I’m going to give it my all this year,” Miller said. “I’ve heard of a lot of stuff that is motivating me. I know what I need to do in order to go out on day one and be prepared to dominate on the floor.”
The Mavs finished third in the district a year ago before reaching the postseason. Could this be the year that Miller and company take that a step further?