Miles McDougal (183-PG, college: St.Mary’s, TX) is a 183 cm guard from Texas that began his basketball career at Duncanville high school. He played 2 seasons at Western Texas College (JUCO) averaging 10.5ppg, 3.3rpg, 2.2apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 38.8%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 75.2% and 11.9ppg, 2.7rpg, 2.4apg, FGP: 43.3%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 78.9%. He then played a season at Saint Mary’s University, Texas (NCAA2) averaging 11.6ppg, 2.0rpg, 2.2apg, 1.4spg, FGP: 39.8%, 3PT: 43.5%, FT: 82.2%. He has some pro experience having played at the Eurobasket Summer League in Las Vegas in 2023. He is taking part at the 2025 Mastercage event in Italy and spoke to germanhoops.com.

Thanks Miles for talking germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?

I’m currently in Italy, playing in the Italian MasterCage Event. Basketball is treating me well—I’ve loved the game since I was a toddler, and that love has only grown over the years.

We share the same name. I’ve come across less than 10 people with the same name. How has it been for you?

That’s a good one! Same here—I haven’t met many with our name, but I’d say it’s treated me well. Maybe I’ve caught a few jokes because of it, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

How tough has the grind been to look for a pro opportunity? You graduated school in 2021 and still haven’t secured a pro opportunity. What keeps you going?

It’s definitely been tough. I’ve gotten the runaround with a few different agents and participated in multiple placement events. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve been given a fair shake yet, but I’m still going. You’re right—I’m three seasons removed, but I’m still working every day and praying for an opportunity. My love for the game keeps me going. I’ve been through plenty of situations that could’ve robbed me of that love, but I still find myself with a ball in my hands, still seeing myself going places in this game.

Do you have a 9–5 job to help make ends meet?

Yes, I do. At first, I didn’t—I thought transitioning overseas would be easier. But as we all know, it’s not that simple for everyone. I ended up picking up a job as a parcel courier back home to help support myself while continuing to chase this dream.

Why did you choose the Mastercard Combine in Italy?

I was originally referred by my friend Tyler, but once I did more research, I saw that Coach Howard was someone trustworthy and genuinely passionate about helping players realize their dreams through this game. That made it clear to me that I wanted to be a part of it.

How blessed are you for this opportunity—to play in front of many important basketball figures in Italy?

I’m extremely blessed. From safe travels all the way from Texas to the opportunity itself—it’s something I don’t take for granted. Not many get chances like this, and I’m truly grateful.

What is your impression of founder Ron Howard, who has been running the combine since 2012? What have you appreciated most about him?

First impression—he’s extremely knowledgeable and passionate. That’s what I appreciate most. In this game, it’s rare to meet people with genuinely good intentions.

What’s your main goal at the combine? To score out the lights, be the ultimate team player, or something else?

My main goal is to show the best version of myself. That means defending at a high level, creating for myself and others, and just maximizing the opportunity while staying a great teammate.

Let’s talk a bit about your game. You’re a 5’11” guard. If you had to compare your game to an NBA player, who would you pick?

My favorite player is Damian Lillard, but I’d say my game compares more to a slightly smaller Donovan Mitchell and even some Davion Mitchell.

What are your biggest strengths on both ends of the court?

Offensively, I’d say my explosiveness and shot-making ability. Defensively, it’s my on-ball defense and peskiness—I love making things uncomfortable for opponents.

How would you describe your defensive game? What kind of defender are you now, and what kind of defender do you want to become?

I’m extremely competitive—I hate being scored on. I take pride in keeping guys out of the lane and making them uncomfortable. Right now, I’m a better on-ball defender than off-ball, but I’m no slouch. I just want to become more complete overall—learning the nuances, watching film, and continuing to sharpen every part of my defensive game.

What areas of your game are you working on the most right now to continue growing?

Shooting—always. That’s non-negotiable. I’m also working on my body to improve athleticism and strength, but most importantly, it’s about live reps and live reads. That’s what really takes your game to the next level.

You played at Western Texas College (JUCO), averaging 10.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.0 spg (FGP: 38.8%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 75.2%) and 11.9 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.4 apg (FGP: 43.3%, 3PT: 37.0%, FT: 78.9%). Everyone says JUCO is a grind, but worth it. How was it for you?

JUCO is tough, man. Everyone has a chip on their shoulder—everyone wants to eat. It’s a dog-eat-dog world. You’re in the middle of nowhere with not much to do but play ball, so you’ve got to be mentally strong. It was tough for me at first, but each day got better as the season went on. There’s no better feeling than taking a 5–6 hour bus ride and coming back with a tough road win. JUCO was a grind, but it was the kind of fun that’s hard to replicate.

How vital was head coach Andre Owens for your early basketball development?

Extremely vital. He and Coach Anthony helped me grow both as a player and as a leader. Those experiences helped shape me into a better man—and that’s what it’s all about in the end.

You then played a season with Saint Mary’s University (DII), averaging 11.6 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.4 spg (FGP: 39.8%, 3PT: 43.5%, FT: 82.2%). What was that experience like?

It was great. A lot different than JUCO—way more structured. Instead of elite athletes running and jumping all over the place, it was more about execution, pace, and discipline. That environment helped me grow my game in a new way.

You dropped 30 points against St. Edward’s in a 3-point win, going 5-for-5 from outside. Do you have footage of that game? Is that your fondest moment there?

Yes, I still have footage of that one. And yes, it’s probably my favorite moment—it brought my confidence all the way back.

How did head coach Bubba Meyer prepare you for a pro career?

He’s a great guy. Extremely supportive and always saw the talent in me. He uplifted me regardless of the situation. That belief in me played a big role in my development.

Who won a 1-on-1 in practice—you or Caleb Jordan?

Funny you ask. He, Kobe Magee, and I played 1-on-1 every day after practice. I like to think I’m the best 1-on-1 player out there, but we definitely had some battles.

Who’s the toughest player you’ve ever faced who made it to the NBA?

My high school teammate, Jalen Harris. He’s a bucket. Outside of the league, my guy Qua Grant is a tough cover too—he can do it all.

Name your 5 best teammates of all time.

Five is tough—I’ve played with a lot of good guys. But I’ll give you six:
• Tyler Watkins
• Keaton Wallace
• Montre Gipson
• Jalen Harris
• TJ Starks
• Qua Grant

What’s your personal NBA Mount Rushmore?

Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Kevin Durant, and I can’t leave out LeBron.

Who’s your GOAT?

Kobe Bryant.

Did you see the sequel to Coming to America? Should they have left it alone?

Yes sir, I saw it… and yeah, some things are just better left alone.

Thanks Miles for the chat.