Back on Feb. 22, the Arkansas men’s basketball program welcomed back members of one of its all-time great teams, the 1989-90 group whose intense “40 minutes of hell” style of play paved the way to a 30-5 season and a trip to the Final Four. 

The program’s all-time leading scorer, Todd Day, was the fulcrum of that team, along with fellow guard Lee Mayberry, but big man Oliver Miller was one of coach Nolan Richardson’s true difference-makers. Miller averaged 11.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.4 blocks that season. 

Miller, though, was not able to make it to Fayetteville for the reunion. But the school put together a tribute video of him to acknowledge his contribution, and MIller posted it to his Tiwtter/X account on Feb. 27, with the caption, “Means alot. Still n tears.” He added the WPS hashtag, short, of course, for Woo Pig Sooie, the Razorbacks’ battle cry.

“In addition to several players who had scheduling conflicts,” the PA announced as the video showed Miller dunking, blocking shots, and cutting down a net to celebrate, “one of our beloved members of that team was not able to make it to Fayetteville for another reason. Razorbacks athletics and his 1990 teammates want to take a moment to recognize him at this time. 

“A member of the University of Arkansas Sports Hall of Honor and the Southwest Conference Hall of Fame, Oliver Miller! The Big O stood out on the court but even more so as a fan favorite with his inextinguishable spirit and his giant heart. 

“One of our all-time greats, the Big O is now waging a fight that is far more important than basketball. He continues his courageous battle with cancer in Phoenix, Arizona.”

Miller died on Wednesday.

He played 137 games for the Razorbacks from 1988-92, averaging 12.2 points and 6.5 rebounds, and twice leading the Southwest Conference in blocks. He was the conference’s Player of the Year in 1990-91.  

Oliver Miller

Imagn Images

After he was drafted in the first round by the Suns in 1992, Miller played nine seasons in the NBA and another four overseas. 

His best season came when he averaged 12.9 points and 7.4 assists with the Raptors in Toronto’s first season, playing 76 games. But Miller consistently battled weight problems and struggled to stay on the floor. That season with the Raptors was the only time he played more than 70 games.

Miller also played in Greece, Italy and Poland, as well as in the CBA, with the Harlem Globetrotters and with the short-lived USBL.