Dial M for Miller

Off the court, Red Bull guard Willie Miller is a regular guy – easy-going and fun-loving. It’s like a smile is pasted permanently on his face.

On the court, Miller’s a killer. He’s a fireball in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and Thunder coach Yeng Guiao couldn’t be happier. It was Guiao who picked Miller first overall in the PBA draft this year, over the likes of Mike Hrabak, Mark Caguioa and John Arigo.

Clearly, Guiao has no regrets. Miller has turned out to be exactly as publicized – a quick-stepping guard who’s athletic, deadly, and explosive.

The stats indicate Miller is maturing fast. In his first six games, he averaged 7.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists. But in his last three before Wednesday’s outing, he raised his clips to 14.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. His field goal shooting also improved from 35.6 percent to 46.8. More importantly, Red Bull is close to nailing a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals of the All-Filipino Cup.

Miller’s best showing so far came in Red Bull’s 79-72 win over Ginebra in Iloilo last March 3. The Fil-Am mestizo compiled 20 points, six rebounds, and five assists in 38 minutes as a starter. He shot 64.2 percent from the floor to dramatize his shot selection.

Miller, 23, is the third of four children born in Olongapo City to retired Navyman Willie, Sr., of Pascagoula, Mississippi, and Felicidad Colenares of Samar. He calls kuya William Henry, 28, his "idol." William taught his kid bro how to play the game when he was four. Miller has two sisters Wilma, 25, and Christine, 18.

Once a year, Miller’s father flies in from the US to visit his family here. When Miller played in the Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA), his father often came to watch the games. His fatherly advice – to be patient and stay focused. Miller said his father is like a buddy – they joke around and their only serious business is basketball. Miller doesn’t even know what his father does for a living in Mississippi except that he takes care of his sick mother.

Miller has been to the US twice but never got to visit his father’s hometown. Someday, Miller hopes to meet his American relatives in Pascagoula.

Growing up, Miller played hoops with older children of servicemen at the Subic Naval Base gym. That’s how he got used to going up against bigger players. Miller said he doesn’t consider his size a disadvantage. He’s lucky he’s 5-10 because he could be shorter, added Miller with a grin. Lifting weights has developed Miller’s physique into a sculpted specimen. Last year, he tipped the scales at 210 pounds – this year, he’s down to a more manageable 190.

Miller said he enjoys the challenge of facing up to bigger players – he likes banging bodies.

Math was his favorite subject in Olongapo high school. He said he’s always been good with numbers. During a game, he hardly looks at the scoreboard because he adds up the points in his head. What about the points he scores? Once, Miller admitted he lost count in firing 72 points during a halfcourt game where his team scored 130 in overtime.

Miller reached up to third year at Letran College before dropping out to concentrate on hoops. He’ll go back to school next year to finish his studies.

Miller singled out his Letran coach and agent Mollet Pineda as the biggest influence in his career. It was Pineda who taught Miller how to shoot free throws, how to use his quickness as a weapon, how to drop pass or kick out on a drive, and how to double and rotate on defense. He said he also owes a lot to his other coaches, including Nemie Villegas, Eddie Reyes, Alfrancis Chua, Joe Lipa, Allan Trinidad and Jojo Villa.

As for Guiao, Miller said he’s a class act. Guiao has taught Miller how to play teamball, how to play point guard, and how to play with confidence. "Kabiruan din namin si coach," continued Miller, a southpaw who idolizes Michael Jordan and Allen Iverson. "Naninigaw kung minsan sa game, especially kung ‘di naming iniexecute yung instructions niya. Disiplina at hard work – ‘yun ang mga patakaran ni coach Yeng."

Commenting on his progress as a pro, Miller said he still has a lot to improve. "Sa MBA, ako yung ginawang No. 1 option," he explained. "Sa PBA, ako ang gumagawa ng play. Si coach Yeng, very patient siya sa akin at natututo pa ako mag-point guard. Sanay ako mag-offguard kasi. Pag-balik ni Jimwell (Torion), baka makalaro muli ako ng offguard. Dapat ma-develop ko pa ang aking upper body at ma-improve ang aking defense."

Miller said he respects but won’t back off in battling the PBA’s top point guards like Johnny Abarrientos, Olsen Racela and Dindo Pumaren. All he’s hoping for is to earn their respect just as they’ve earned his.

From his basketball paychecks, Miller bought a 300-square meter property and a 200-square meter home for his mother in Olongapo and the Nissan Terrano he drives. Later, Miller said he plans to invest in a business.

Basketball is Miller’s consuming passion. At home, he watches TV and cooks. When he’s not hanging out with teammates Kerby Raymundo, DaVonn Harp and Mick Pennisi, Miller’s in a gym or on a street playing hoops. He has no hobby — basketball is his life.