10 Year Veteran Chris Miller Is Still In Love With The Process And Will Give Germany Another Try This Summer

Christopher Miller (192-G-1993, college: Salem) is a 10 year professional veteran and is blessed to have seen a lot in the world of basketball having played in counties like El Salvador, Bosnia, Switzerland and recently in Iraq. However he has spent most of his career in Germany as he has displayed his basketball art for parts of 5 seasons. It is only fitting that Germany has become like a second home. The only problem is he has always paid his dues in Germany in one league called the Regionalliga and is still looking to make the jump up a league. He definitely has the skills to play in the Pro B, but so often it´s politics that gets in the way. Some lose faith in the process while others don´t. “I am living my dream of playing professionally. I just finished my 10th season. I am still in love with the process and whatever comes with it I know what skills I have and what I bring to the table and still believe despite age I have a lot more left in the tank. My goal is to see that through”, stressed Christopher Miller. I remember seeing him last summer during pre season at a Frankfurt Pro B game always seeking that next opportunity, but his calling wasn´t Germany, but Iraq. “ That is just the way basketball goes. I came too late to Germany this time around and wasn’t very happy with the offers I had so I bet on myself and waited out for the next opportunity. I say this all the time but I cant say why teams pass up on me all I can focus on is being the best I can be for that team that decides to give me the chance”, warned Christopher Miller.

The ex Salem University (NCAA2) played last season with Darbandkhan (Iraq-Superleague) and experienced a different kind of basketball and lifestyle that not many Americans have witnessed. “I enjoyed the game in Iraq. I played against some big names and ex NBA players. I was able to gain some respect by holding my own against those names and keeping my team competitive. The talent of the imports was the best talent have played in a professional setting thus far”, said Christopher Miller. He was only a month in Iraq, but made most of his opportunity averaging 16/5/1/1 stats. “I was signed after the National team break. I played 5 games and our team was making strides of improvement. Unfortunately there was some disagreements with the team owners sponsors and president of sports in the city and they decided to remove the men´s club from further competition. It was a sad decision that shook up the city many of the fans were upset saying I was one of the best imports to come to the team and how they wish things were different. The coaches and staff were happy with me and my performances. Unfortunately the decision came from above their heads”, remembered Christopher Miller. In that short time, he was teammates with the ultra basketball globetrotter Eric Kibi who has played 12 pro seasons, in 15 countries for 25 teams. Miller also has a deep resume, but few beat a Kibi so it was only obvious that he could soak up a lot from him. “Eric and I share a similar journey man path. It was good to hear his story and take some advice on how he was able to keep climbing the ladder. I learned from him that work ethic is key to longevity there is no luck in lasting in this game more than a decade no matter the level. You have to be hungry and willing to work everyday”, warned Christopher Miller. But not only was basketball enriching, but of the court, he experienced things that few Americans have ever seen. “Iraq is a beautiful place. It changed my way of thinking. At first I will admit I was a bit afraid of what might happen. Soon after I was happy with my decision to go. The people were welcoming and kind, the views were unreal and the food was some of the best I have ever had. I had a very nice house and everything I needed was taken care of”, commented Christopher Miller.

At the moment the ex Tri-State Admirals (BSL) guard is back at home in the states recharging and gearing up for the next basketball adventure. Training day in and out for the next overseas opportunity can become tedious, so why not play in a league. That is exactly what the American has been doing participating in the Mellennial Sports Elite Division Mens Basketball League. “This league is a fun league for me to get reps up and enjoy competing with some friends of mine. I enjoy the atmosphere and being able to make mistakes without pressure and just let loose. The league is still competitive so my goal is to dominate while working on new parts of my game. Whenever I am home and have free time my guys pick me up and we try to compete for a championship every time. So far I am 2/3 for championships”, smiled Christopher Miller. Getting more experience with games can benefit anyone no matter if they are looking to go overseas or not. “This is a men´s league everyone uses it as something different. I personally use it to sharpen my decision making work on different parts of my game against good competition. Some people play in this to stay in shape having something to do after work. Some use it to get back in shape to be primed for summer for tryouts or other leagues. This is not exactly a professional league, but just guys enjoying the beauty of the game”, said Christopher Miller. He recently exploded for 57 points in a game as he showed once again that he is a genuine walking bucket. “57 points is the most I have scored ever. I have had a few 50 plus performances however. With 50 in Clinton Community college, 50 My first year in Bensheim, 54 in Dominican Republic 2019. I have also had countless 40 point games but 57 holds the record”, smiled Christopher Miller. It was one of those games where he showed his total scoring arsenal and he had something to prove to himself. “This particular game I was a bit mad from the game before I believe this might be the first game I lost in this league. I made a promise to one of the owners of the league that I would get 40 next game. I came in with that mentality already and in the first 5 minutes I went 5/5. I finished the first half with 28. I scored at all levels working on just getting the first available shot. I believe I hit 10 3 pointers and didn´t miss a free throw. This is really just me prepping for a big summer. Please stay tuned”, warned Christopher Miller.

The explosive scoring guard who could have versatile as his middle name will continue to sharpen his skills during the day and at night following the NBA playoffs which begin. It is always nice talking NBA basketball with him. One guy who is shooting for his first chip is Canadian point guard Shai Gillgeous-Alexander. Is he a top 3 point guard at the moment? “I believe his impact this year is undeniable. He is this year’s MVP no question. I would still put him top 5 current however”, stated Christopher Miller. Many probably see Boston, Cleveland, Oklahoma City and Houston in their respective conference finals, but he sees another team possibly making a run. “I believe the Lakers will take the championship home. Lebron is having one of those years where he can steal one and adding Luka to the mix could get scary”, warned Christopher Miller. For many Nikola Jokic is the MVP and slowly people are saying that he is the best on earth. But not all follow that thinking as Lebron James still has a massive standing even at age 40. “As long as Lebron is still playing I would say no. He is a great player nonetheless. I can´t take away what he has done so far. He can´t get that title until he beats team USA I´m sorry”, added Christopher Miller. It will be interesting to see where Christopher Miller will play in his 11th professional season. How big of an option will Germany be this off season? “If I get the right offer in Germany I would take it no questions asked. Germany is a second home for me. I still have to make the best decisions for my career progression at the same time. This off season I will give Germany another try and we will see what happens”, warned Christopher Miller. I personally would love to see him back in Germany. Maybe he will finally get rewarded this time with a Pro B contract.

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