FAIRBANKS - The Alaska Nanooks men's basketball team has announced the signing of Michael Miller, a 6-4 forward from Oak Hills, Calif.
Miller is joining the Nanooks after a big season with San Bernardino Valley College.
"I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am to have Mike join the Nanook Family." Said head coach Frank Ostanik, "The first time I saw Mike on film I knew immediately he was someone I wanted to coach. The idea that Mike was available this late in the recruiting season is remarkable to me. Mike is a ridiculous athlete, with the ability to create his own shot and defend four positions. He's also a good passer and someone who will make others on the floor better. When he told me he was coming to Alaska, I had goosebumps."
Miller, an Oak Hills High School graduate, and the Oak Hills all-time leading scorer with over 2,000 points, played in and started 29 games for the Wolverines in 2023-24. In those games he averaged 14.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.1 steals per game. From the floor he shot 40.4% adding a 28.4% three-point percentage and 72% free-throw percentage. Miller is no stranger to scoring; he posted 20 double-digit games this season, including six with 20+ points and a 48-point explosion in a 113-62 win over Barstow. In the Jan. 19 contest, the forward went 18-23 from the floor with 10 made threes, the most in a single-game in SBVC history. He added three rebounds and steals and two assists.
SBVC went 21-10, 12-4. Their 12-4 conference record placed them third in the Inland Empire Athletic Division in the 3C2A Conference. Following wins in the first two rounds of the Southern California Regional, the Wolverines season came to an end with a two-point loss to Cerro Coso in the Regional Finals. Miller finished that game with 20 points, five rebounds, two assists, a block and a steal. Ostanik continued speaking highly about Miller and his recent commitment, "I had seen Mike on film, but this past weekend I had a chance to see him in person. We already knew we were in love with what he does on the court, but seeing him up close only solidified our belief that he would be a great player for us. His talent was obvious, but what really impressed me was his selflessness and the way he carried himself when he was on the court playing and while he was on the bench watching. If I were a player, I would want to play with Mike. This is the third young man we have added to our roster who is not only a great player, but a quality human being. As much as I think we have improved over the last six weeks on the court, I believe we have become even better in the locker room."
Miller echoed the excitement from Coach Ostanik and cannot wait to join the blue and gold, "I'm excited to finish my college career with Alaska and look forward to the opportunities and experiences that lie ahead. Alaska got a dog, let's work!"
He becomes the third addition to the Nanooks roster this offseason. Additional signees will be announced at later dates.
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