On the courtroom, Vyctorius “VJ” Miller thrives at assessing his choices and making the fitting decisions based mostly on what’s in entrance of him. It’s a talent that’s proving helpful for him off the courtroom as nicely.

After we spoke by cellphone in early November, Miller was within the technique of finalizing a call on the place he’d play his senior 12 months of highschool ball. He starred at Crean Lutheran (CA) Excessive as a sophomore, then transferred to AZ Compass Prep, the place he confirmed out as a junior final season. The Southern California native was anticipated to be again at Crean Lutheran for his last season, however at press time, he was nonetheless weighing his choices—together with a potential return to Compass Prep.

Wherever he ends up this winter, Miller will take his place as one of many high prospects within the class of 2024. And that brings us to his different massive pending resolution. After we spoke in November, the 6-5, 180-pound combo guard had formally narrowed the choices for his post-high college vacation spot and as of November of final 12 months, formally dedicated to Oregon.

“Wherever I am going can be some-where I can play as a freshman, and the place the teaching employees will embrace me,” he had advised SLAM.

Any teaching employees in its proper thoughts can be pleased to welcome Miller, who has used his size, imaginative and prescient, versatility and athleticism to substantiate a spot as a nationwide top-50 recruit within the ’24 class. Requested to evaluate his strengths, he says, “I positively consider myself as some extent guard, so I’d say my passing capability, plus I’m a three-level scorer and I can rating at will. I’m additionally only a good particular person to be round.” So far as areas of enchancment, he’s nonetheless engaged on making the bounce from stable defender to “lockdown defender, as a result of I do know that’s what retains you on the courtroom.”

Genetics helped get Miller on the courtroom within the first place, as hoop expertise runs within the household. His dad, Vyshonn Miller, higher referred to as ’90s No Restrict Data standout Silkk the Shocker, was a stable hooper again within the day, whereas his uncle Percy “Grasp P” Miller, famously acquired an NBA tryout not lengthy after he constructed No Restrict right into a southern rap dynasty. He’s additionally seen cousins Romeo, Hercy and Mercy Miller climb the prep hoops ladder and make it to the faculty ranks, so he understands higher than most the challenges and alternatives in entrance of him.

No matter benefits he may need loved given his well-known household, Miller comes off like a dude who’s centered on incomes his spot—and leaving little question that he deserves it. “Not gonna lie, I really feel like I’ve been extra locked on this 12 months than ever,” he says. “I’m beginning to have that feeling like a chip on my shoulder once more, as a result of I’m a type of guys that’s gotta present individuals who I’m.” Requested to make clear—does he really feel like he merely must remind individuals how good he’s, or that he’s nonetheless making an attempt to show he even belongs among the many greatest prospects within the nation?—Miller is blunt. “It’s positively the primary one,” he says. “Individuals know I’m like that, however not essentially day in and day trip.”

He’ll have his likelihood to remind them quickly sufficient. Though he didn’t but have his senior 12 months vacation spot nailed down after we spoke—presumably that’ll be confirmed by the point you learn this—Miller did have a brief, clear record of targets to verify off earlier than he wraps a stellar highschool profession. “I’m positively making an attempt to be an All-American, and simply dominate, actually,” he says. “That, and simply attempt to turn into a greater particular person on and off the courtroom.”

Images by: Atiba Jefferson