Fast Breaks with Rodney Miller

RODNEY MILLER

Fast Breaks
Rodney Miller

My hometown is Queens, New York. Laurelton to be exact. I was born in Brooklyn and I’m just a kid from New York.

My family is my support. They hold me down. My mom and dad, we have a really tight circle and they’re with me every step of the way and really root for me, as well as my sister.

I started playing basketball around the age of 11 or 12. That’s when I really started to play basketball at Riverside Church with the AAU program I played with, and that’s where my journey really started.

My high school was Oak Hill Academy. I was there for three years. It’s a great school, great program and Coach Smith is one of the best high school coaches in the country, so it was an amazing experience and really set a winning mentality for me. There’s nothing else like playing for Oak Hill.

When I was younger I wanted to be myself. I never looked to be someone else.

The hardest part of being away from home is missing my family. But I went to boarding school for most of my academic career, so I’m used to being away from home.

Playing basketball has given me so many opportunities to life and connections. I met so many amazing people through the sport of basketball and I hope it just keeps opening up doors for me.

When I was introduced to Coach L it was a real genuine introduction. He seemed like a straightforward guy, and he’s always kept it real with me. I speak highly of him. He’s a great guy and a great coach.

I’m a Hurricane because I want to represent the city of Miami, as well as my family in New York. So that’s why I’m a Hurricane.

The city of Coral Gables is a beautiful city. Nothing more to say, it’s just very beautiful.

Playing for Coach L at Miami, I’ve learned patience, taking your time and really simplifying things. I’ve learned to not overthink, just play the game and have fun.

One thing everyone should know about UM hoops is it’s a real organized program. We compete at the highest level and we hold ourselves to a real high standard.

To be a Miami Hurricane means being a leader, being accountable, responsible and holding yourself to a higher standard.

My favorite thing about the U family is the brotherhood. The relationships between the coaches and the players, that is really my favorite thing. I love that about Miami, it’s a real tight knit group and I like it that way.

I’m closest on the team with no one in particular. We’re brothers. One day I might be at one teammate’s apartment, the next I’ll be at another teammate’s place. I’m really cool with everyone on the team.

Dunking feels very exhilarating. It is even more exhilarating when you’re in front a crowd and you hear a whole bunch of people roar when you dunk. It is a crazy feeling.

I first dunked in a little league game when I was 12. It just happened randomly, and it was really cool. I was 6-foot-7 at age 12, because I remember the Lil’ Wayne song ‘6 Foot 7 Foot’ had just come out.

If I wasn’t playing basketball I would be an entrepreneur or a business man.

Some of my personal goals are to make it to the NBA, win an NCAA Championship and just make my family proud.

I secretly wish to be the best big man ever. It’s actually not really a secret.

My favorite holiday is Christmas, because it is around my birthday.

Nobody knows that I’m double-jointed.

Becoming a man means to take care of your responsibilities and do what you have to do to succeed.

After college I want to hopefully be in the NBA, be able to support my family and do what I have to do to make them proud.