Vicky Graff Photo
Darius Miller was part of Kentucky’s 2012 national championship team but he also endured two years playing for coach Billy Gillispie at Kentucky.
Miller, who also had a successful NBA career, is now one of the owners of The Alumni Center that is hosting a Holiday Toy Drive & Community Night on Dec. 19 from 5–9 p.m. encouraging families across Central Kentucky to come together in support of local kids this holiday season.
He joined us on WLAP Sunday Morning Sports Talk and I asked him what message he would have for UK players and fans after a 5-4 start for Mark Pope’s team that has included losses to four ranked teams and a beatdown from Gonzaga on Friday.
“Te strength of schedule that we have this year, it’s pretty tough. We’re playing some really good teams. We got players that’s out injured. That’s a huge part of the team in my opinion. And you don’t just walk out and win just because you’re Kentucky. It’s going to take a second for them to figure out a few things,” Miller said
“Injuries always play a part, too. They got younger guys that are playing a ton of minutes. The game has changed a lot. There’s a lot more experience and older guys out there, especially on the teams that we’ve been playing so far.
“It’s just it’s just a learning process. We got to give the guys time to find their identity. We got a bunch of new players playing with each other. That’s never easy to do. When you’re coming in and you’re working as a team, you have got to figure out how your teammates want to play. There’s a lot to figure out.”
Miller said he still believes in Mark Pope and feels he has “good grasp” about basketball strategy.
“I know he’s constantly working to make changes and adjustments,” Miller said. “I think we have a ton of talent on this team and I definitely think they’ll figure it out over time. I’m not necessarily worried at all. And for the fan base, I know we got high expectations because we’re one of the best programs in the world. I totally understand the expectations we have.”
Many Kentucky fans in Nashville for Friday’s loss to Gonzaga booed the Cats numerous times during the game.
“In these holiday times, have some grace, continue to support the team. Not supporting the team is not going to help them figure it out. I think us being there and showing why we’re the best fans in the world would help them to have that extra motivation and help them to figure it out,” Miller said.
“These are young guys. Us being behind them helps them with confidence and to be free on the court. So I would just say, show grace and continue to support them. We still have a great team. The schedule is brutal, but I do have hope and I truly believe that they’ll figure it out.”
