All-America Honors |
Team |
Year |
NAIA Honorable Mention |
1997-98 |
NAIA Third Team |
1996-97 |
SHAD MILLER. The name will henceforth be recognized as a trademark for Golden Eagle basketball. His on-court heroics and accomplishments were matched only by the class and integrity he exhibited off the court. A man of few words, the team play, hustle and grace of his basketball excellence spoke volumes to teammates and opponents.
TOPPING THE LIST of JBU men's basketball greats, Miller became the school's first NAIA All-America selection in 1996-97, and was also chosen as an All-America honorable mention in 1997-98. A number of Miller's single-season and career marks are still highlighted in the NAIA record books. He twice led the nation in free-throw percentage and his 1996-97 mark of 93.5 percent (158-of-169) still ranks in the top 10 in NAIA history. At one point, Miller hit 64 consecutive free throws, which placed him second in NAIA history and tied the NCAA I record. Over his four-year career, Miller hit 88.9 percent of his free throws, which placed him sixth all-time in the NAIA's 51-year history.
COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE. Miller's determination, love for the sport and commitment to his team culminated in excellence in every phase of the game. He ranks hear the top of the program record book in almost every category.
* ALL RECORDS AT TIME OF GRADUATION *
Career Snapshot |
Category |
Game
|
Rank
|
Season
|
Rank
|
Career
|
Rank
|
Games Played |
--
|
--
|
31
|
--
|
124
|
5
|
Points |
33
|
--
|
583
|
6
|
1,569
|
5
|
Rebounds |
11
|
--
|
123
|
--
|
411
|
--
|
Assists |
8
|
--
|
129
|
8
|
359
|
7
|
FT Made |
--
|
--
|
168
|
2
|
506
|
1
|
FT % |
--
|
--
|
93.5
|
1
|
88.9
|
1
|
Steals |
7
|
--
|
68
|
4
|
197
|
1
|
RAISING THE STANDARD. Perhaps an understatement, Miller helped send JBU's basketball image soaring to new heights. Playing in the NAIA's premiere conference, the Sooner Athletic, Miller's accomplishments came against the best. He received SAC All-Conference honors in both 1996-97 and 1997-98. His greatness as a team player is perhaps best evidenced by his being named SAC Defensive Player of the Year in 1997-98. In his exceptional four-year career, the adjective "talented" and the name "Miller" became forged forever in the history of JBU men's basketball.
EFFORT TO WIN. No player ever gave a greater effort than Miller. Over his career, he never missed a game, not even a practice. Whether diving into the crowd to save a ball or being slammed to the floor after challenging the opponent to stop a baseline drive, Miller gave every ounce of his God-given talent. Always one of the first in the gym and usually the last to leave, Miller's style of play left no doubt that God had give him a little extra heart, and Miller always gave God the glory for it. There will be other great JBU basketball standouts, but it may be a long time before anyone matched Shad's character, elegance and accomplishments.