Rosy draft picture for Gators' Miller

One analyst says he is top-rated small forward. Miller hasn't said if he is leaving for the NBA.

By JOANNE KORTH

© St. Petersburg Times, published April 19, 2000

If the lure of possibly being an NBA lottery pick is too good to pass up, Florida sophomore Mike Miller's college career likely is over. Several analysts project Miller to be a top-13 pick in the draft.

Miller, a 6-foot-8 swingman whose buzzer-beater in the first round of the NCAA Tournament sparked the Gators' run to the national championship game, has not announced his decision. He was expected to meet with UF coach Billy Donovan today.

ESPN analyst Andy Katz said NBA scouts consider Miller a lottery pick, regardless of his inconsistent performance in the NCAA Tournament. Katz said Miller is the draft's highest-rated small forward.

"The NBA draft today has become one of potential, and they're obviously projecting Miller to be a better player two years from now," Katz said.

"I think another year of being a go-to guy in college would help his development more than sitting on the bench on an NBA roster. But if someone is ready to pick him in the lottery, it's hard to argue against his going."

The draft is June 28. Underclassmen have until May 14 to declare for it and June 21 to withdraw their names.

Miller's running jumper to beat Butler in overtime was one of the NCAA Tournament's most memorable shots.

He was named the East Region MVP but did not make an impact at the Final Four. In the 89-76 loss to Michigan State in the title game, he scored 10 points on 2 of 5 shooting.

Miller, a high-school All-American from Mitchell, S.D., led the Gators in scoring, averaging 14.1 points per game, and was second in rebounding (6.6). He was a first-team All-SEC pick of the coaches and a second-team selection by the media.

Katz said Houston and Atlanta are showing the greatest interest in Miller. Analysts for the Internet sites CNN/SI and CBS SportsLine also project Miller as a first-round pick.

Miller, who has not spoken to the media since the Final Four, could not be reached for comment. Donovan was on a recruiting trip Tuesday and couldn't be reached. He has said he thinks Miller would benefit from another year of college.

The Gators' run to the championship game could make it easier for Miller to leave. Winning the title is the only thing he did not experience in his two seasons at Florida.

"It would be very hard for Donovan to convince him to stay," Katz said.

"He doesn't have the carrot to dangle, "Hey, last year we only got to the Sweet 16; come back next year and we'll go to the Final Four.' They got to the title game, so he's experienced that."

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