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Former Gator, NBA standout Mike Miller leaving Penny Hardaway’s staff at Memphis

The 40-year-old says he wants to spend more time with his family after two seasons as an assistant coach with the Tigers.
 
Memphis assistant coach Mike Miller sits alongside forward Precious Achiuwa during a game on Nov. 5, 2019, in Memphis.
Memphis assistant coach Mike Miller sits alongside forward Precious Achiuwa during a game on Nov. 5, 2019, in Memphis. [ KAREN PULFER FOCHT | AP ]
Published June 3, 2020|Updated June 3, 2020

MEMPHIS — Mike Miller is leaving Memphis coach Penny Hardaway’s staff after two seasons, saying he needs to spend more time with his family.

The former Florida Gator standout who played 17 seasons in the NBA and won consecutive championships with the Heat (2012-13) announced his decision Wednesday on social media.

“As much as I’ve loved this job and had a blast being part of the special program Coach is building, the past few months have made me realize that it’s time for me to spend more time focused on family and wherever the journey will take me next,” Miller, 40, wrote. “I will find a way to stay in basketball and continue to make an impact on this city that I love so much!”

After leading the Gators to the 2000 NCAA Tournament championship game, Miller was the No. 5 overall pick by the Magic and won rookie of the year in 2001. He played for seven teams, ending his career with the Nuggets in 2017.

Miller quickly joined Hardaway’s staff after Memphis hired Hardaway in March 2018. Miller helped Hardaway land the No. 1 recruiting class in the nation last summer, including James Wiseman, who played only three games with the Tigers before leaving school. Memphis ranked as high as No. 9, finishing with a 21-10 record when the season ended in March due to the coronavirus.

Miller has two sons in high school who both play basketball with the oldest a senior.