Throughout the course of any given NBA D-League season, many talented players walk onto the courts of an NBA D-League arena. From Division I players to Division II players to NBA veterans who are looking for an opportunity to get back into the Association.
For Joey Miller, a Division II player out of Dallas Baptist University, he’s a well-traveled basketball player. He started out his collegiate career at Eastern Illinois University. After playing one year at Eastern Illinois, Miller spent two seasons at University of Illinois-Chicago.
After redshirting the 2014-15 season due to a broken hand, the 6’3″ guard transferred to Dallas Baptist University for his senior season.
Joey Miller saw a significant change in his game during his redshirt senior season compared to his previous three collegiate seasons. In many statistical categories, Miller saw his productivity on offense increase, as he averaged 16.7 points per game compared to 10.4 during his freshman season.
Along with that, his shooting improved as his collegiate career went on.
Miller shot 49.3 percent from the field during his senior season compared to 33.5 shooting from the field as a freshman. In addition, he shot 43.8 percent from 3-point range compared to 30.6 percent from deep in his first collegiate season.
After breaking his hand during his redshirt season, Miller focused on watching the game develop.
“I started off my redshirt year, I broke my hand, so I really sat on the side and watched the game develop,” Joey Miller said. “Division II is a little different than Division I. I got to watch and get really close to the coaches to see what my role would be for the next year.”
When the Charleston, Ill. native finished his collegiate career at Dallas Baptist University, he joined Fiorenzuola of the Italy – Serie C Gold League. By signing with Fiorenzuola, the Westchester guard became the fourth player behind Dwight Coleman, Nick Michels, and Nick Fox to sign professional contracts out of Dallas Baptist University.
“The program history isn’t very long,” Miller said. “It’s a newer school for basketball. We’ve had some great players there. I’m lucky to be the fourth and hopefully many more to come.”
After spending the first part of his basketball career in Italy, Miller returned to the United States due to issues with his visa. The Dallas Baptist product continued his basketball career through the NBA D-League.
On Jan. 13, 2017, the Westchester Knicks acquired Miller through the available player pool.
When the Dallas Baptist product joined the NBA D-League, he felt New York was the best fit for him.
“I started in Italy. I was forced to come home. I had some visa issues; getting my visa out there, so me and the team decided to part ways about three months into the contract and I came home,” Miller said. “I really liked the Triangle, so I thought New York would be the best fit.”
@SchmoProblems goes baseline and drains a reverse lay-up. pic.twitter.com/Xtbpc7EVFQ
— Chris Priczak (@chrispriczak) March 13, 2017
Upon joining the Westchester Knicks, the team had several returning players on the squad. Also, a few players on the team had NBA experience, along with general manager Allan Houston, who played 12 years in the NBA.
For Miller, the veteran presence has been helpful everyday.
“Just learning. Picking up from the older guys,” Miller said. “Everyday is a chance to learn something new. They’ve been through everything that I’ll go through. They just help me out everyday. Trying to teach me things from on the court, to taking care of my body, to eating right, getting the right amount of sleep.
“Allan is a big part of the Westchester Knicks,” Miller continued. “He’s in the practice. He’s in the film room. He teaches us a lot about basketball and just about being a better person.”
Since arriving in Westchester, Miller has played nearly 14 minutes (13.9) per game. Upon joining the team, there was depth at the guard position. Miller didn’t see much action. But as the season went on, things changed.
Jordon Crawford, who was excelling with the Westchester Knicks, was traded to the Canton Charge. Travis Trice, who rejoined the team, suffered an ankle sprain. With the change on the team, Miller saw an increase in playing time.
With the increase in playing time, Miller has felt a boost in his confidence.
“It’s getting there. Every game I try to take something away and learn from,” Miller said. “My mistakes. Try not to make them the next game and make the right plays. Just learning. I’ve definitely learned a lot getting to play more. Coming in at the middle of the season isn’t the easiest. Jumping into it right away, but I’ve learned a lot. Just got to keep it moving forward.”
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The 2016-17 season is winding down. The Westchester Knicks have seven games left in the season. Even with a small amount of games left in the season, Joey Miller remains focused on improving.
“My personal goal is just try to get better with every minute,” Miller said. “Every chance I get to play is an opportunity to get better. I’ve learned from everything. Don’t take advantage of what’s in front of you. One game at a time.”