Bama star Miller ‘taking it sluggish’ to manage injury

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.– Less than 24 hr after Alabama forward Brandon Miller was held scoreless in the first round of the NCAA competition while handling a groin injury, coach Nate Oats cast some doubt on his star player’s schedule against Maryland on Saturday.Oats stated Miller would not participate in the live portion of practice Friday as he continues to rehab. But Oats included that he was hopeful Miller, the team’s leading scorer and a forecasted NBA lotto pick, would play.”I think he’s going to be all right, “Oats said.

“It appeared like … it bothered him [versus Texas A&M -Corpus Christi on Thursday] He didn’t shoot it particularly well, but it looked like he was moving good. So we just have to get his confidence back that he can play with it. “Editor’s Picks 2 Associated Miller, who initially hurt his groin Sunday in the SEC tournament last, was held scoreless for the

first time all season while playing 19 minutes in Alabama’s 96-75 win.He minimized the injury in the locker room after the game but was more open about getting treatment Friday.

As long as he can warm up and loosen up the muscle, he said he feels 100 %.”It’s great,”Miller said. “Just taking it slow, day by day, step by action, actually simply getting it back to

100%.” Asked whether he anticipates to bet Maryland, Miller said, “Obviously. I’m constantly going to play every game unless someone says something else.”Miller has actually had a standout season on the court as a real freshman, earning SEC Gamer of the Year honors. But off the court, he has actually been under intense analysis due to the fact that of his supposed connection to the capital murder case in which previous teammate Darius Miles and another male have actually been charged in the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Jamea Harris on Jan. 15. Throughout a court hearing last month, a police officer affirmed that Miles texted Miller asking him to bring Miles’gun in the morning hours prior to the shooting.Miller has actually not been implicated of a criminal activity, and the university has actually described him as a cooperating witness, not a suspect.On Wednesday, Oats said Miller was supplied armed security since of hazards he had actually gotten. Miller stated Thursday that he was focused and succeeding mentally.Maryland coach Kevin Willard, for his part, marveled at Alabama’s depth and how well they played Thursday with Miller having an”off night.””It’s pretty excellent when you score 96 [points] and you don’t require the 2nd pick in the draft,”Willard said.Willard took it a step even more, stating Alabama has the most skilled lineup he has actually seen because the 1994-95 Kentucky team that had 7 future pros, consisting of juniors Tony Delk, Walter McCarty and Rodrick Rhodes and freshmen Antoine Walker and Scott Padgett.” This group reminds me of that team with the length, athleticism, how unselfish they play, very similar point player,”Willard said.Oats raised his eyebrows at the contrast.”That was a really gifted team, “Oats stated.”Thanks for the comparison. I don’t know that I ought to be stating thanks. That’s a great deal of pressure on us too.

“Oats stated he wasn’t sure the Crimson Tide would put that lots of players in the NBA, but he did allow for the reality that his team is athletic and has good

depth, specifically at point player.

“I believe he’s likewise trying to talk our collaborate, “Oats stated.” I don’t understand that we’re quite that great. We’ll see. But he’s got a truly great group too. They’re good. So we’re gon na have to play. I’ll state this: We’re got ta play much better defense tomorrow than we did the other day.”