Alabama Freshman Forward Brandon Miller Declares for NBA Draft

All-American will move on to the NBA after one stellar season in Tuscaloosa.

Blake Byler | Mar 30, 2023

In this story:

Alabama Crimson Tide

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama basketball star Brandon Miller has chosen to forego his remaining eligibility and enter the 2023 NBA Draft after an incredible freshman season.

The decision comes as no surprise, as Miller was viewed by many as the top collegiate prospect in the upcoming draft. He looks to become Alabama's highest selected player since Antonio McDyess was selected second overall in 1995.

After the news broke on Thursday, Miller formally made his announcement on Instagram on Friday morning:

"First, I would like to thank God and give all the glory to Him," Miller's post reads. "Since I arrived on campus in May, this school and fan base has shown me nothing but love and support and for that, I will forever be grateful. A special thank you to my coaches for motivating and helping me become the best player I could. To my teammates, thank you for pushing me in practice every single day and for your inspiration. We will always be brothers for life.

"To my family, thank you for your unconditional love and support and for allowing me to pursue my dreams. Ever since I was little, my dream has always been to play in the BA, and I am excited to pursue that goal by officially declaring for the 2023 NBA Draft. I cannot wait to start the next chapter of my life!

"Roll Tide!"

Miller, who entered the season as a 5-star recruit in the class of 2022, lived up to his high school hype in every way imaginable as the top player on Alabama's SEC regular season and tournament championship team.

He averaged 18.8 points per game and 8.2 rebounds per game leading Alabama to its first-ever No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament and the program's second Sweet 16 appearance in three years.

The 6-foot-9 forward leaves the Capstone as one of the most individually decorated players in Alabama history, after taking home the SEC Player of the Year, SEC Freshman of the Year, and SEC Tournament MVP awards. Additionally, he was a consensus second team All-American, first team All-SEC, and a member of the SEC All-Freshman team.

Miller's 696 points marked the second-most in a single season in Alabama history, trailing only Reggie King's 747 points from the 1978-79 season.

On June 22, Miller will look to become Alabama's fifth NBA Draft pick since head coach Nate Oats took over the program four years ago, and the Crimson Tide's fourth first round selection since 2018.

See Also: