News Summary
Percy ‘Master P’ Miller has been named the new President of Basketball Operations at the University of New Orleans, amidst an NCAA investigation into sports gambling. His appointment aims to revitalize the struggling basketball program which has a current record of 4-25. Despite challenges including suspended players, Miller plans to implement a supportive environment and a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) program to aid student-athletes in their development both on and off the court.
New Orleans – Percy “Master P” Miller has been appointed as the new President of Basketball Operations at the University of New Orleans (UNO), a development that comes during an ongoing investigation into NCAA violations linked to sports gambling at the institution. This appointment is seen as a key move to revitalize a basketball program that has been struggling, reflected in its current dismal record of 4-25 in the Southland Conference.
The announcement has raised eyebrows given that four players associated with the UNO basketball team have been suspended since late January due to the ongoing investigation. Despite this challenging backdrop, Miller’s extensive experience in both sports and business places him in a unique position to lead the program out of its current turmoil.
Miller, a New Orleans native, has deep ties to basketball—crediting the sport with significantly influencing his life. He garnered attention as a top high school point guard at Booker T. Washington High School and received an athletic scholarship to the University of Houston. Although his basketball career in the NCAA was somewhat curtailed, he later pursued opportunities in the NBA with brief training camp stints at the Charlotte Hornets and Toronto Raptors in the late 1990s.
Transitioning away from basketball at the collegiate level, Miller initially found great success as a music mogul, founding the renowned No Limit Records. However, his passion for basketball remained, leading him to coach an AAU team, the P. Miller Ballers, which has produced notable talents, including NBA stars DeMar DeRozan and Jalen Suggs.
With a focus on rejuvenating UNO’s basketball program, Miller expressed a commitment to fostering a winning culture. He aims to offer student-athletes not only the essential resources for athletic success but also opportunities for mentorship and personal development. Recognizing the importance of financial support, Miller plans to establish a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) program that will provide student-athletes with the financial backing they need during and after their collegiate careers.
Miller emphasizes the necessity of creating a supportive environment for players, which includes access to adequate housing, nutrition, and training facilities. He intends to leverage his extensive network and professional relationships, including potential sponsorship deals with major companies like Under Armour, to bolster the resources available to the basketball program.
In line with his vision, Miller has sought insights from successful figures in collegiate sports, including discussions with Coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders on empowering players within the NCAA framework. He believes that it is essential to prepare players for not just the professional basketball landscape, but also to focus on their character building and personal growth throughout their collegiate experience.
Miller’s leadership philosophy incorporates a “culture-first” approach that prioritizes building solid relationships with players, which he views as integral to establishing a successful basketball culture. He has conveyed the idea that the focus of this initiative should be placed entirely on the player experience and development, explicitly stating that it is “not about me.” In doing so, he aims to foster an environment conducive to both athletic achievement and personal integrity.
As Master P embarks on this new chapter in his career, all eyes will be on the UNO basketball program to see how his strategies and vision will unfold. With the challenges ahead, including navigating the ongoing NCAA inquiry, his leadership will play a pivotal role in determining the future of both the program and the athletes involved.
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Additional Resources
- University of New Orleans Privateers
- ESPN
- Vibe
- Billboard
- Fox 8 Live
- Wikipedia: Percy Miller
- Google Search: New Orleans mens basketball
