University of Tennessee Athletics
Gameday Feature: Dwight Miller
December 03, 2011 | Men's Basketball
Dec. 3, 2011
Leslie Saloom
UTsports.com
Dwight Miller, a redshirt junior forward who joins the Volunteers this year as a transfer, faces a familiar foe in Pittsburgh tonight. As a high school senior, he signed a letter of intent to play for the Panthers and remained with the team through his sophomore year.
In his time with Pitt, Miller appeared in 16 games, averaging 0.6 points and 1.1 rebounds in 5.3 minutes. After not getting off to an ideal start among other factors, he decided it was time for a change and transferred to Midland Junior College in Texas.
"Before I came here, it was more about finding a place where I could be comfortable and making sure I could compete to do well to get noticed," said Miller.
While at Midland, he helped the Chaparrals post a 33-4 overall record and a berth in the NJCAA national championship game. Coming into this season rated as one of the best junior college prospects in the country, Miller certainly got noticed among Division I programs including the University of Tennessee.
"I came to UT on a visit and I realized I would be selling myself short if I didn't give myself the chance to make this happen," Miller said. "This is a great conference with great teams. The people, the fans, and everything across the board are just set up for you to succeed. It is a family here and that's why I decided to come."
With the addition of coach Cuonzo Martin, Miller has found a home with the Volunteers. He appreciates the new outlook coach Martin has brought to the team and recognizes the expectations set by the new staff.
"Coach Martin is there to make sure that we don't settle for less than we can be. He is a no nonsense guy and doesn't deal with disrespect. He is a fighter and because of that we are going to be fighters. We will be a direct projection of our coach and that's why I feel we have an advantage," said Miller.
One player Miller draws inspiration from is his former roommate at Pitt, senior guard Ashton Gibbs.
"Just watching him work, he is a great player year in and year out and I really respect him for it," said Miller.
As for what Miller will bring to the team this year, he believes his biggest strengths are his versatility and aggressive, winning attitude.
"I've been on a lot of winning teams especially at Pitt and [Midland]. They were great teams because we all bought in and I think that will carry over here. We are going to surprise a lot of people. We have our expectations and goals and I am confident we will reach them. Just given the opportunity, I want to do something great," Miller said.
