Brandon Miller Bio
Brandon Jordan Miller (born November 22, 2002) is an American professional basketball player for the Charlotte Hornets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Alabama Crimson Tide. He was a consensus five-star recruit out of high school and was selected as the second overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft by the Hornets. Miller has quickly made a name for himself in the league with impressive performances and numerous accolades.
Early Life and Background
Brandon Miller was born in Nashville, Tennessee, and grew up in Antioch, Tennessee. He attended Cane Ridge High School, where he excelled on the basketball court. During his junior season, Miller averaged 23.3 points, eight rebounds, 4.3 assists, 2.6 blocks, and 2.3 steals per game, earning him the title of Tennessee Gatorade Player of the Year. He repeated this achievement in his senior year while also being named Tennessee Mr. Basketball after averaging 24.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.3 steals per game. Miller’s high school career included participation in prestigious events such as the Jordan Brand Classic and the McDonald’s All-American Game.
Path to Basketball
As a highly regarded player, Brandon Miller was a consensus five-star recruit and one of the top players in the 2022 class, according to major recruiting services. His first scholarship offer came from Tennessee State, where his cousin Brian Collins was the head coach. On November 1, 2021, Miller committed to play college basketball for the University of Alabama after considering offers from Kansas and Tennessee State, as well as opportunities to play professionally in Australia’s National Basketball League or the G League Ignite.
Brandon Miller Career
Early Career (2022–2023)
Brandon Miller’s college career at Alabama began with high expectations. He was named to the Naismith College Player of the Year and Julius Erving Award watch lists entering his freshman season. On November 21, 2022, he earned his first Southeastern Conference (SEC) Freshman of the Week honor. Miller had a standout performance on December 17, 2022, scoring 36 points and grabbing six rebounds against Gonzaga. He set an Alabama freshman record by scoring 41 points in a game against South Carolina on February 22, 2023. Miller’s impressive season continued as he was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2023 SEC men’s basketball tournament, averaging 20.3 points and 11 rebounds over three games. He finished the season with an SEC-high average of 18.8 points per game, along with 8.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists. At the end of the regular season, he was honored as the SEC Player of the Year, SEC Rookie of the Year, and first-team All-Conference. He was also recognized as a consensus second-team All-American and received multiple freshman awards.
Breakthrough (2023–Present)
Brandon Miller’s transition to the professional level came when the Charlotte Hornets selected him with the second overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft. He made his NBA debut on October 25, 2023, scoring 13 points in a victory against the Atlanta Hawks. Miller’s performance continued to improve, and on November 18, 2023, he scored a career-high 29 points in a game against the New York Knicks. By February 4, 2024, he had set a new career-high with 35 points in a loss to the Indiana Pacers. Miller’s development continued as he started 27 games during the 2024–25 NBA season, averaging 21.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists before suffering an injury that required surgery. His early career has been marked by significant achievements and the potential for a bright future in the NBA.
Notable Works and Milestones
Brandon Miller’s signature achievements include being named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2024 and earning the Wayman Tisdale Award in 2023. His impressive college career culminated in numerous accolades, including the SEC Player of the Year and the NABC Freshman of the Year.
Brandon Miller Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Brandon Miller has received several nominations and accolades, particularly during his time at the University of Alabama and in his early professional career.
Brandon Miller Awards Won
Brandon Miller has won multiple awards, including the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2024, the Consensus second-team All-American in 2023, and the SEC Player of the Year in 2023. His achievements reflect his talent and potential as a rising star in the NBA.
Brandon Miller Family
Brandon Miller’s family has a strong athletic background. His father, Darrell Miller, played college football at Alabama, while his older brother, Darrell Jr., played college basketball at Fisk University and professionally overseas. His older sister, Britany, is also an athlete, playing at Cumberland University.
Personal Life
Miller has shared insights into his personal life, including his admiration for NBA player Paul George, whom he considers his greatest of all time (GOAT) and has modeled his game after. He has also been involved in a notable incident during his college career, which garnered significant media attention but did not result in any charges against him.
