By Javier Molero/ jmolero@eurohoops.net
Baba Miller is one of the brightest young talents in Spanish basketball. The Mallorcan, currently in his fourth year in the NCAA and his first in Cincinnati, spoke with Eurohoops after a sensational start to the season.
After a busy summer with the Spanish B team, the almost call-up to the senior national team, and the unstoppable presence on the court, the 21-year-old forward faces the most important months of his career.
March Madness, the Spanish national team, the NBA…
Cincinnati, a new home
After two seasons at Florida State and one at Florida Atlantic, Baba Miller decided to move to the Big XII, the most powerful conference in the NCAA, to lead a Cincinnati Bearcats team that needed a game-changing player.
He loved this university from the start, and his decision was a no-brainer. “The truth is, I really like this university. The team, the coach… I think we have a great group, and I feel very comfortable here,” he told Eurohoops. “Having good players around and a coach who pushes you gives you a lot of confidence and extra motivation, which has been really helpful,” he added about his new team.
“Wes Miller came to Boca Raton, where I was last year. We had an in-person meeting where he explained their style of play and the players they had already signed, because I was one of the last to join the roster, and honestly, it was the best place for me,” he explained.
“The plan he presented to me was something that could personally help me become a better player, and I had high hopes of having a very good year with a very good team,” Miller said.
The Spanish national team as a target
Baba Miller was the star of the new Spanish B team coached by Jaume Ponsarnau. His performance in Málaga left Spanish fans stunned, and he came close to making the EuroBasket squad under Sergio Scariolo.
For him, it was a sensational experience and a step forward in his ultimate goal. “I loved it. Playing with the Spanish national team and being with the guys is fantastic. I feel very comfortable, they’re great people, and it’s always a lot of fun. And the basketball aspect is great too,” he said about the B team.
“We have a really good group. In Spain B, all the players are very talented. We played hard, and in the end, beating two senior national teams was a lot of fun. Then, being alongside the senior team was a great experience to learn and understand the dynamics a bit more,” he added about the senior team and his time in Malaga.
Does Baba Miller feel ready to be one of the key players for the future national team? “I would love to. It’s one of my dreams, one of my goals, to be a very important player for the Spanish national team in the coming years,” Baba told Eurohoops.
“It’s an ambition I have, but I’m not there yet. I’m still working and improving every day to get there. But it’s definitely one of my biggest goals,” Miller continued.
All of this comes with the 2027 World Cup in Qatar as the next event and a revamped coaching staff. The word “transition” is increasingly relevant to future rosters, with young talents joining the squad.
“There’s still plenty of time until 2027, but we have a very good, very talented young generation. Many of us still have to prove ourselves, to show that we can be there and compete at that level,” Miller commented.
“And there are also current, top-level professional players who also have their place there and who can do very well. I think we won’t know until the date arrives,” he explained to Eurohoops.
Europeans in the NCAA
In his fourth season in college basketball, he has witnessed firsthand the surge in European players entering the NCAA. Not only those aged 18-19, but also some with professional experience.
The NIL has been a determining factor, but perhaps the learning experience has also played a role. “I think it’s both. But ultimately, if the NIL weren’t there, many people wouldn’t come,” Baba clarified. “It’s true that I think here you have the opportunity to play with people more or less your own age, to easily earn more playing time because they’re at your same level and not professionals who have been playing for 10 years, and you have to compete for a spot. But at the same time, with the amount of money that universities are distributing here, I think that for kids aged 18 to 24, if they can go there for a few years, develop their skills, and on top of that earn good money, well… who would say no?” the 21-year-old from Mallorca stated.
Among them are some Spaniards who have been making headlines these past few weeks: Aday Mara, Mario Saint-Supery, Álvaro Folgueiras… Is the NCAA a new reality for Spanish basketball? “Yes. I think it’s a good path, whether you stay in Spain and develop or come to the NCAA; both paths are good. The more people accept that it’s a new reality, the better it will be for everyone,” he told Eurohoops.
“If Spanish players leave their clubs on good terms, then when they develop in the NCAA and return, they’ll be able to go back to their clubs and make a difference. The sooner this new world is understood, the better it will be for everyone,” Baba added.
This year, he will have the chance to prove he’s one of Spain’s top prospects. He will do so in the Big XII, the toughest conference, against rivals like Houston, Kansas, Arizona, BYU… “I’m really looking forward to it. It’s the best college league this year. It’s definitely the most physical. I’m eager to go there and give it my all. A lot of people think I don’t play hard and that I’m soft, but this year is going to be a great opportunity to prove that’s not the case,” he stated emphatically.
NBA Draft and March Madness
With just a few months left in his college career, the NBA Draft seems like a safer option than ever. Given his height (6’11”), defensive prowess, dominance near the basket, and the improved shooting touch he’s been developing, the NBA appears to be his ultimate goal.
“I’ve always said that you won’t know until June 23rd or 26th. Right now, I’m focused on the day-to-day, and if I do my job, when the time comes, we’ll see where I stand. I try to be present in my daily work, and the time will come,” he said regarding the Draft. “I’m doing a decent job; I still have a lot to improve during the season. We’ll see when the time comes,” he explained to Eurohoops.
“For me, the only priority now is to have a very good season as a team. If we don’t win, nobody is going to achieve their goals, neither team nor individual. Right now, I’m focused on helping the team in any way I can,” he exclaimed regarding the NBA as his priority.
“I’m hopeful we can compete for a Big XII title with Cincinnati, go to March Madness and win some games there, because I believe we have the team to do it,” Baba continued.
In his three previous seasons at Florida, both at State and Atlantic, he was unable to reach the prestigious college tournament, the one that captivates the world and is recognised everywhere. With the Big XII adding several universities each season, it’s a unique opportunity.
“Yes, because I’ve been in the NCAA for three seasons, and it’s frustrating not to have made it there any year. Being at Real Madrid, where you’re used to winning a lot in the youth system, coming here and not having won at the same level is frustrating,” he said about the tournament. “Right now, my biggest goal is to have a good season as a team, win a lot of games, and be able to play in March,” Miller concluded.