CHRIS Miller made a big impression during the PBA Draft Combine by capturing the three-point shootout title on Friday.
Miller scored 12 points in the shootout final, beating JP Cauilan (11) and potential first rounder Dalph Panopio (9), proving that he can shoot the outside shot as he is known for, based on his credentials.
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Even before entering the draft, Miller already has an intriguing background as he applied in the PBA at the age of 32 and played professional basketball overseas.
"I've played for the last 10 years, mainly in Europe, five years in Europe. I played in Germany, Bosnia, and Switzerland. I played in Iraq recently, most recently. I played in El Salvador and Dominican Republic. So this will be going into my 11th year professionally," Miller said
In his most recent stint internationally, Miller proved that he can shoot. He played for Darbandkhan in Iraq where he normed 17 points, shot 55 percent from the field, 40 percent from threes, and 92 percent from free throws.
Born to a mother who has Filipino roots, Miller said playing in the PBA has always been an option and being around people who once played in the league reinforced his belief that he must take that route.
"I think it's the perfect timing. Everybody's been saying it. But with my age, I do have other offers. I just want to make that known. I do have other offers overseas. I just want to come here and play as many years as I can here in the Philippines to just get in touch with my heritage. And I think this is the perfect time to do it," said Miller.
He mentioned former PBA import Mike Glover as the one who encouraged him to play in the Philippines.
"I actually got to play with some ex-PBA players in the States - Quincy Miller, Mike Glover. Mike Glover is like a big brother to me. So when I told him that I was coming out here to play in the Philippines, or hopefully to play in the Philippines, he was excited for me. So he might just come to visit one day," Miller said.
Miller said he was fortunate that he was able to make it to the deadline in filing his application for this year's PBA draft.
"I was working on my paperwork, my passport for some years now. And I knew as soon as it was too clear, I would go directly to look to get into the draft," he said.
"Honestly, this year, I didn't think I would have made the deadline. I got my passport literally a week before the draft. That's why I entered so late. But I always knew in the back of my head, this is why I wanted to play," he added.
Shooters shoot
During the PBA Draft Combine tournament, Miller began making his threes after the shootout, helping his team San Miguel go deep and reach the finals before being edged by Barangay Ginebra.
"Honestly, I didn't even think I was going to enter into the three-point shootout. It was like a last second entry. But I'm happy that I did," he shared.
"And after that, just got some shots, got the flow a little bit. So I'm happy with that."
Miller has been considered as a sleeper in the draft as well as a player that is under the radar with his background overseas.
But Miller isn't thinking about that.
"I don't care about the radar. I don't care about the hype. I play basketball and my game will speak for itself. I don't need all of that," he said.
"I'm too old to care about that. We play basketball games. I play to win. I play hard. And whatever team that drafts me, we'll see that. I don't care about the hype or the, you know, whatever people say. Doesn't faze me."
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