Florida State Seminoles sign Real Madrid basketball prospect Baba Miller
After some visits to schools, the 18-year-old small forward from Spain decided on Florida referencing a “family” feel as one of his main reasons.
Growing up on the Mediterranean island of Mallorca, this Spanish kid showed very early signs of being a star. Snapped up at the age of 12 by the European basketball giant, Real Madrid - they’ve also got a successful football team if you haven’t heard - his options were always likely to open up. Now, having assessed these opportunities, especially after being promoted to the first team at just 17, he’s plumped for a life in the Sunshine State on the east coast of the US.
Baba Miller: the NBA is watching
Just last summer Miller helped Madrid to victory in the prestigious Adidas Next Generation tournament. He ended the FIBA European Challengers as second top scorer - averaging 11.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, shooting 64% (two-point) and 50% (three point) - with Spain’s under-18 team, who were undefeated.
“There was a moment in my career that I did want to stay in Europe,” Miller explained to ESPN. “But lately I decided 100 percent I wanted to go to the U.S. to get better, especially physically and technically.
“Europe is a place to compete, not to develop. In the United States if you don’t play you’re going to develop in practice and individual sessions. That’s something you don’t usually do in Europe. It wasn’t a very difficult decision for me.”
Although he had also checked out Gonzaga with his father, his choice was Florida State, with a ‘family’ vibe being a key factor, as well as playing style and culture.
“I could see an actual family at Florida State. I saw a very close relationship between everyone. That was a big part of my decision,” Miller explained in the same interview.
“The style of play matches mine with my abilities and the freedom that they gave their players to make plays at any position. I love the culture at Florida State. As soon as I got there I could see the brotherhood they have on the team. They have tight relationships between the players and coaches. I loved the good vibes that were on the team.”
Miller, from Mallorca to Madrid to Florida
Miller will again star for his country in the summer under-18 European Championship in Turkey before meeting up with his Florida teammates.
“Representing Spain last year was a great experience. We had a great coaching staff and awesome teammates. I had a great time playing for my country and winning the tournament last year.”