Miller, ex-Arkansas and NBA center, passes away at 54
Mar 12, 2025, 11:05 PM ET Oliver Miller, a sturdy center who assisted Arkansas advance to the Last Four before playing nine seasons in the NBA, has actually died. He was 54.
Several of Miller’s previous groups announced his death Wednesday, as did the National Basketball Retired Players Association. A cause of death was not revealed, but Arkansas had actually announced throughout an event honoring its 1990 Final Four team that Miller had cancer, and Miller thanked the team for its video tribute to him while posting it on social networks last month.Known as the”
The Huge O” for his 6-foot-9, 280-pound frame that swelled to well over 300 pounds during his NBA profession, Miller was a standout at Arkansas from 1988-92. He balanced 12.2 points and 6.5 rebounds in 4 seasons, assisting Naismith Hall of Fame coach Nolan Richardson’s 1989-90 team reach the Last 4 before losing to Duke. He earned Southwest Conference Gamer of the Year honors in 1991.
Oliver Miller balanced 12.2 points and 6.5 rebounds in four seasons at Arkansas, helping Nolan Richardson’s 1989-90 team reach the Final Four before losing to Duke. AP Photo/Lynne Sladky
“We are deeply saddened by the death of Arkansas legend Oliver Miller,” Arkansas stated in a social networks post. “An essential member of the 1990 Final 4 group, an SWC Hall of Famer, a first-round NBA draft choice and a true personification of the Razorback spirit. We like you Huge O. Our ideas are with his household.”
Miller was prepared by Phoenix in 1992 with the No. 22 overall pick. He went on to typical 7.4 points 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 Association, the United States Basketball League and with the Harlem Globetrotters.The Raptors held a moment of silence for Miller before their home game Wednesday night versus the Philadelphia 76ers. Miller was picked by Toronto as the last pick of the 1995 growth draft.
“He holds a special place in our history as a member of our inaugural group in 1995, and we are so grateful for all his contributions,” the Raptors stated on social media. “We send our deepest acknowledgements to the Miller family.”