Busting Brackets
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NCAA Tournament 2023: 4 breakout star candidates to watch

By Christian Odjakjian

Jan 11, 2023; Coral Gables, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes guard Jordan Miller (11) reacts after making a shot while being fouled during the second half against the Boston College Eagles at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2023; Coral Gables, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes guard Jordan Miller (11) reacts after making a shot while being fouled during the second half against the Boston College Eagles at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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NCAA Basketball
NCAA Tournament Miami Hurricanes guard Jordan Miller Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Jordan Miller – No. 5 Miami

Jordan Miller might be my favorite player in college basketball. I was going to vote him for my ACC Player of the Year, but Miami didn’t put him on the ballot to funnel as many votes as they could to Isaiah Wong. Miller ended up on Second Team All-ACC, which I thought undersold his incredible and consistent performance this season, but it’s still nice recognition for the fifth-year senior. Miller spent three years at George Mason before transferring to Miami last season, starting for the Hurricanes and helping them reach the Elite Eight.

The 6-6 guard once again plays as a small ball four for Jim Larrañaga. But this season, he’s stepped into a much bigger role offensively. Miller bumped his scoring average this year up from 10.0-15.3 points per game while raising his three-point percentage from 29.2 up to 36.0%. Miller can score in many different ways and is an incredibly crafty finisher around the basket.

Miller isn’t showing up in mock drafts right now, but I truly do believe he’ll end up as an NBA player. A deep Miami run is contingent on Norchad Omier’s injury status,  but if he is able to play, I think the Hurricanes are totally capable of reaching a Final Four. If this team does go on a deep run, I could see teams falling in love with adding a high-character winner with the physical tools to be an NBA wing.

Well-known in the ACC sphere, Miller remains an under-the-radar player nationally. If Miami advances, everybody will know who he is, and he’ll start to get respected at the level I think he already deserves to be.

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