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Darius Miller won a state championship at Mason County and was also named Kentucky’s Mr. Basketball in 2008. Once he got to Kentucky, he won a national title in 2012  to give him three honors no other Kentucky player has been able to do.

Miller played in a school-record 152 games at Kentucky and then played in 271 NBA games with New Orleans and Oklahoma City as well as two years overseas. He’s now living in Lexington and joined the UK alumni team La Familia coaching staff for The Basketball Tournament.

However, Miller is also paying close attention to what Reed Sheppard is already doing in the NBA summer league after being the third pick in the recent NBA draft. The former North Laurel star was Kentucky’s 2023 Mr. Basketball but did not win a state title or national championship.

“I’m definitely a fan. I wish the best for him. I love his approach to the game. I love how he plays the game at his own pace and he has a great basketball IQ,” Miller said.”I’m rooting for him. I wish him nothing but the best.

“I got to see him play one game in high school and loved what I saw. I have been a fan of his and I think he’s gonna do great things and hopefully have a long, healthy career.”

Miller became a role model for Kentucky youngsters with his state and national titles. He hopes Sheppard’s success will have the same impact.

“I think I was able to do what I did on the basketball court to kind of let everybody know that anything is possible. If I can do it, anybody out here can do it,” he said. “He’s the same thing. He’s a great example for all Kentucky kids. He works and plays the game the right way. It’s really pretty cool to see what he’s already done.”

Miller is also a fan of new UK coach Mark Pope and attended his introductory press conference.

“I’ve briefly talked with him. I’m giving him my full support. He’s a former player, won a championship. I know he knows the expectations, so I’m just trying to be there to support him in any way I can,” Miller said.

Miller is back living in Lexington as he pursues various business interests. He’s glad his daughters, ages 9 and 6, can enjoy the slow pace of Lexington and see familiar faces and family.

“It’s just good to get back and get connected with the people that have supported me and showed me love throughout my whole career,” he said.

He won’t rule out a potential coaching career but maybe not at the level some would expect. He is considering coaching more from the “youth perspective” because of the experiences he had playing basketball earlier in life.

“I’ve been thinking about youth sports and trying to build on the culture. We have a basketball culture here in Kentucky and maybe I could help build on that a little bit,” he said.

Former UK standout Darius Miller believes Reed Sheppard will do “great things” in the NBA. (Photo by Vicky Graff)