Sports Oliver Miller, a chunky heart who helped Arkansas technique to the Final Four before taking part in 9 seasons within the NBA, has died. He became once 54.
Quite a lot of of Miller’s frail teams announced his loss of life on Wednesday, as did the Nationwide Basketball Retired Avid gamers Affiliation. A clarification for loss of life became once no longer disclosed, but Arkansas had announced correct via an match honoring its 1990 Final Four team that Miller had cancer, and Miller thanked the team for its video tribute to him whereas posting it on social media closing month.
Identified as the “The Big O” for his 6-foot-9, 280-pound frame that ballooned to effectively over 300 pounds correct via his NBA occupation, Miller became once a standout at Arkansas from 1988-92. He averaged 12.2 ingredients and 6.5 rebounds in four seasons, serving to Naismith Hall of Fame coach Nolan Richardson’s 1989-90 team attain the Final Four before shedding to Duke and earning Southwest Conference Player of the Year honors in 1991.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Arkansas legend Oliver Miller,” Arkansas mentioned in a social media put up. “A key member of the 1990 Final Four team, an SWC Hall of Famer, a first-round NBA draft pick and a true embodiment of the Razorback spirit. We love you Big O. Our thoughts are with his family.”
Miller became once drafted by Phoenix in 1992 with the No. 22 overall pick. He went on to realistic 7.4 ingredients and 5.9 rebounds for the Suns, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings and Minnesota Timberwolves. He also played in Europe, the Continental Basketball Affiliation, the US Basketball League and with the Harlem Globetrotters.
The Raptors held a 2d of silence for Miller before their dwelling game Wednesday night in opposition to the Philadelphia 76ers. Miller became once chosen by Toronto as the closing pick of the 1995 expansion draft.
“He holds a special place in our history as a member of our inaugural team in 1995, and we are so grateful for all his contributions,” the Raptors mentioned on social media. “We send our deepest condolences to the Miller family.”
Reporting by The Linked Press.
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