FAU has worked diligently over the past couple of weeks to assemble a complete roster, and that
came to fruition Tuesday, as FSU transfer F Baba Miller withdrew his name from NBA draft
consideration and committed to playing this upcoming season in Boca Raton.
The 6 ’11 Spanish National spent his first 2 collegiate years in Tallahassee, where this past
season he put up 7.6 Points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.1 blocks across 33 games, 32 of
which he started. He improved across the board from his ‘22- ‘23 freshman season with the
Seminoles, where he was suspended for the first 16 games of the year after receiving travel
benefits that were against NCAA rules at the time. He ended up playing in 15 games his
freshman year, starting 2, while averaging 4.3 points 3.7 rebounds, and less than 1 assist and
block per game.
Originally a native of Mallorca, Miller grew up playing in the Real Madrid organization in Spain, starting at age 12. In his final season prior to committing to FSU, he was playing for Real Madrid B and was averaging 11.3 points, 5.3 rebounds while also sporting a 35% 3-point average. Miller also represented Spain at an international level, playing for the country’s U18 squad in the 2021 FIBA European Challengers, averaging 11.8 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals, ultimately helping Spain finish with an undefeated record in that event.
This past season with FSU, Miller was able to flourish with a full season under his belt,
contributing as a lengthy forward that could attack the basket off the dribble, or as a big target
down low. Although Miller wasn’t the most consistent shooter from deep last year, checking in
at a 29.3% clip, he made 24 triples which forced defenses to respect his shot and drew defenders
out of the paint. Defensively, his 6’11 frame, and athleticism allows for him to defend any
position on the court, and he has shown the ability to do that at a high level.
What makes Miller so versatile is the fact that for the majority of his early life and into his teen
years he was a Guard, standing 6 ‘2 at age 14, before a growth spurt sent him skyrocketing up to
6′ 11. Those guard traits he learned at a young age never left him, nor did his athleticism, and it
has culminated into a jack of all trades type player.
Offensively, he still has the ability to run the offense in certain situations, showing a guard’s
ability to find players in tough situations especially down low, while also having a solid handle,
and he is able to ignite fast breaks by stretching the court off the rebound. Defensively, he
rebounds well and competes with big men down low, but is also able to defend on the outside,
using his length to pester guards on the perimeter.
After 2 years at FSU, Miller entered his name into NBA draft consideration, as his size and
ability to stretch the floor as a 6 ’11 forward is the player archetype many NBA teams are
looking for as the next style of big man. He ultimately decided another season in college was
what was best for him, and now he will have the opportunity to work on his game in paradise
with John Jakus, who has a track record of being a part of programs that get players to the next
level.
With the Owls, Miller joins Tre Carroll, Kaleb Glenn, Mantas Kocanas and Matas Vokietaitis, as
potential options at the 4 or 5, but between Carroll, Glenn and Miller, the Owls will have the
ability to play a bigger lineup with all of those players showing the ability to play the 3. The size
and versatility that this squad has is something that FAU did not have the past 2 years, and it will
be something to watch to see how it all meshes together.
Coach Jakus and Co. wanted to have the roster filled prior to June 1st, and they have
accomplished that via retention, the portal, and international recruiting, now having a full squad
which they will look to get to work with over the upcoming weeks.
