Brandon Miller has been under the spotlight recently and it is not because of the NCAA tournament. The Alabama basketball player was allegedly involved in a shooting with Darius Miles, another player of the Alabama Basketball team.
For those who don’t know, Miles was charged with capital murder after firing shots at 23-year-old Jamea Harris. She was sitting in a car at the time of her death. Many torched Miles after the incident, pointing out that Harris was a mother of a 5-year-old son. Despite all these claims, Miles maintained innocence at the time when he was being moved and was even found saying “I love you” as he shed tears.
Amid all this, Brandon Miller has been dragged into the case as well. Police claimed that Miller brought the gun and passed it to Miles, who gave it to Michael Lynn Davis. It was Davis who allegedly fired shots at Harris.
Brandon’s lawyer refused this report and claimed, “Brandon never touched the gun, was not involved in its exchange to Mr. Davis in any way, and never knew that illegal activity involving the gun would occur,” per The Athletic.
Lawyer for Alabama basketball player Brandon Miller releases statement “to provide additional facts on Brandon’s behalf in response to misstatements in reporting yesterday regarding Brandon.” Key segments attached. pic.twitter.com/MfmFiPT9o6
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) February 22, 2023
Miller was not charged and there have not been any recent developments. Only Darius Miles and Michael Lynn Davis were charged with capital murder at the time. Fans on social media have questioned Alabama’s decision to continue playing Brandon but the university has not responded. Tuscaloosa chief deputy district attorney Paula Whitley also told AL.com that there are no crimes that they can charge Miller with.
What does Darius Miles’ controversy mean for Brandon Miller’s potential NBA career?
Brandon Miller has been predicted to be one of this year’s top picks at the NBA Draft. Apart from Miller, Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson have also kept fans on the edge of their seats with their talents on the court. However, Miller’s recent controversy and performances have not done him any favors in recent times.
Brandon Miller’s NCAA Tournament: 8-of-41 from the field, 3-of-19 from 3-point range.
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) March 25, 2023
Alabama recently crashed out of the NCAA tournament after losing to the San Diego State Aztecs. He put up 11 rebounds but managed to only make 9 points in the Sweet 16 game. That game summed up the tournament for Miller, who had been battling a groin injury in the middle as well. His numbers from the 3-point range were disappointing as well, which is a surprise considering shooting is one of his strengths.
More, via CBS Sports research, and this is a stunner: Brandon Miller is the only player since at least 1960 to shoot under 20% in a single tournament with a minimum of 40 attempts.
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) March 25, 2023
If that wasn’t enough bad news, Miller was also the first player with a minimum of 40 attempts since 1960 to shoot under 20%. It certainly looks like the controversy could have affected his game on the court. However, that also means his draft stock has also taken a major hit. He managed to score just 28 points across 3 games at the 2023 NCAA tournament.
Brandon Miller’s NCAA Tournament Campaign:
9 PPG
7 RPG
2 APG
20% FG (8/41)
15% 3PT (3/20)Brandon Miller had 41 shot attempts & scored 28 points in the NCAA Tournament (3 games).
Sweet 16 exit for the No. 1 overall seed 😳 pic.twitter.com/6xo4qqCAub
— College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) March 25, 2023
It certainly is not good news for Miller. The 20-year-old was expected to go ahead of Scoot Henderson at the 2023 NBA Draft, which was revealed by a mock draft. He could still well and truly go as one of the top 5 picks at this year’s draft. But only time will be the judge of that.
