Former NBA Player and Arkansas Star Oliver Miller Dies at 54

Published: 3/13/2025, 11:08:09 PM EDT

Former NBA Player and Arkansas Star Oliver Miller Dies at 54 — Arkansas' Oliver Miller (25) drives to the basket during first half action in the NCAA Southeast Regional at the Charlotte Coliseum in North Carolina on March 21, 1991. (Lynne Sladky/AP Photo)

Oliver Miller, a former Arkansas Razorbacks basketball star and NBA player known affectionately as "The Big O," passed away at the age of 54 on Wednesday.

The cause of Miller's death has not been officially disclosed.

Arkansas previously revealed during an event honoring its historic 1990 Final Four squad that Miller had been battling cancer. In a post last month, Miller acknowledged his illness when he thanked Arkansas for a tribute video shared on X.

Standing 6 feet 9 inches and 280 pounds, which exceeded 300 pounds during his professional career, the large center was a central figure of the Arkansas men’s basketball team from 1988 to 1992. He earned Southwest Conference Player of the Year honors in 1991 and led Naismith Hall of Fame coach Nolan Richardson’s 1989 to 1990 team to the final four before losing to Duke.

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Arkansas legend Oliver Miller," the Arkansas Razorbacks said in a Wednesday statement posted on X. "A key member of the 1990 Final Four team, an SWC Hall of Famer, a first-round NBA draft pick and a true embodiment of the Razorback spirit. We love you Big O. Our thoughts are with his family."

Drafted by the Phoenix Suns as the 22nd overall pick in the first round of the 1992 NBA draft, Miller went on to play a nine-season career. He played for multiple teams including Phoenix, Detroit Pistons, Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings, and Minnesota Timberwolves. During his NBA career, he averaged 7.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.

Miller also played for the Toronto Raptors from 1995 to 1998 after he was selected as their final pick in the 1995 expansion draft.

"The Toronto Raptors are saddened to learn of the passing of Oliver Miller, who spent three seasons with our organization," the Raptors said in a post on X. "He holds a special place in our history as a member of our inaugural team in 1995, and we are so grateful for all his contributions. We send our deepest condolences to the Miller family."

Former Raptors head coach Darrell Walker, who coached Miller from 1995 to 1996, praised him for his talent and character.

"Yesterday we lost a great player and person in Oliver Miller," Walker wrote on X. "I had the pleasure of coaching him at Toronto. He was an unbelievable teammate, had a very high basketball I.Q., and the best set of hands I have ever seen. Hopefully, we can get his number raised in the rafters soon."

Current Arkansas men's basketball coach John Calipari also posted on X after hearing of Miller's passing.

"I just got word from Hawk that Oliver Miller passed away," Calipari posted on X. "So sad at such a young age. One of the most kind hearted people that was a competitor and a champion. Wish I could have gotten to know him better. Prayers to Big O and his family. RIP."

The Raptors honored Miller with a moment of silence before their home game Wednesday night against the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.