Throughout high school, many athletes struggle to get the recognition, minutes, and statistics they think they deserve. It can be difficult for many to stay motivated and push through obstacles in their athletic careers. 2018 BSM alumni, Riley Miller, provides his insight on the ability to persevere through sports, despite numerous setbacks.
Although Miller was involved in the BSM basketball program each year of high school, he did not become a starter or receive valuable minutes until his senior year. Miller had the skill to be an effective player, but he had many setbacks that affected his success. “I was very late on puberty and hit a growth spurt later in high school than most. Going into high school I was short and fat,” Miller said.
It’s important to go through every day trying to be the best version of yourself, and if you stack those days, in two or three years, it’s crazy what you can do
— Riley Miller
Miller knew he wanted to continue basketball in college since he was little, but never thought it would be an option. Coach Moore, the varsity head coach for BSM at the time, assisted him in trying to get his name out to local colleges. Miller acknowledges the importance of choosing a school based on more than just athletics. Smaller schools heavily reached out to him but did not fit his vision. He knew he wanted to continue his career, but looked past strictly the opportunity of playing time. “I ultimately decided on the University of St. Thomas on a promise from the coach that if I worked hard and was good enough, I would play,” Miller said.
University of St. Thomas was a basketball home of Miller for five years, being a starter for four of them. Despite the delays of COVID and injuries, Miller was able to grow as a player, becoming one of the best 3-point shooters in the entire NCAA by percentage of completion. His minutes as a freshman in college were limited at times, but he ended his five years second in the St. Thomas program history for the number of made 3-point shots. Miller will be starting his professional basketball career this spring for the Southern Tigers in Adelaide, located in Southern Australia. The team is a part of the NBL1 Central Division. “When I was a freshman in high school, if you told me what I’d be doing now I would have told you you’re lying,” Miller said.
Miller’s main advice for athletes is to focus on character and work ethic. “It’s important to go through every day trying to be the best version of yourself, and if you stack those days, in two or three years, it’s crazy what you can do,” Miller said.