Mustang 2025 swingman Roman Miller makes plays happen — all with a smile on his face
MUSTANG, OKLAHOMA - If there is one indelible trait that is noticeable when watching Roman Miller play, it may be the look on his face.
The 6-foot-4 Mustang junior swingman seems to constantly display a grin whenever he steps onto the hardwood.
Whether he has buried a long jumper with a defender in his face or thrown down an alley-oop pass from guard Tyson Pogi, Miller clearly enjoys the game and his role as the Broncos’ go-to guy.
However, that smile hides Miller's true self, which is someone who is looking to rip out an opponent's heart and then revel in their conquest. All with a smile on his face.
“Pressure. I just accept it all,” Miller said. “This is what the people came to see. This is what everyone expects of me and I just soak it all in and perform. I'm supposed to.”
Oklahoma high school boys basketball: Here are the top wings/post players for the 2023-24 season
Mustang coach Scott Hodges has seen it every day for the past three seasons. But Miller was able to take it to another level during his junior campaign with the Broncos.
“He's just shooting the ball really well,” Hodges said. “He's making tough shots. He's making open shots. When he is open, he's getting to the free-throw line a little bit more. He's just becoming a tough matchup for anybody. And I think he's such a great kid and a great competitor and he's kept working.”
Mustang junior Roman Miller launches a shot during a game this season. Miller was named first team All-District and was the leading scorer for District 1-6A.
After an impressive sophomore campaign, Miller wasn’t about to settle on his laurels. He came into the 2023-24 season looking to take his game to another level.
“I think I've gotten better at a little bit of everything,” Miller said. “My shooting has gotten better. My percentages for 3-point (shots) and free throws, and my rebounding has gotten better. Just every aspect of my game.”
Miller’s teammates saw the expansion of his overall game as well.
“People don't see the things Rome does outside of the game,” Pogi said. “All people see is what he does on the court, but he's always going hard in practice. And then on top of that, he's putting up a thousand shots outside of practices and games. That's what makes a difference.”
Miller will be the first to admit that his game didn’t just improve by thinking about or watching videos on social media. There was only one way to get better, and that was to put in the work during the offseason.
“This was definitely from the gym. I did lots of two-a-days, three-a-days, early morning lifts, early morning workouts, late night lifts, late night workouts. Just all of it this summer for sure,” Miller said. “I did it for myself and honestly for all the people just doubting me. Just to prove them wrong.
"That drove me a little bit and just for self-worth, I was doing it for myself and the people doubting me.”
While Miller didn’t want to name any person or group in particular, he said he heard the talk and wanted to make sure his game spoke loud and clear for him this year.
“The people know,” Miller said with a sly grin.
Mustang boys handle business by winning their Mustang Holiday Classic tournament championship
However, when the season started, it took Miller a little time to find his groove. While he was still putting up points, it wasn’t as efficient as he had displayed in the past.
But Hodges observed it didn’t take Miller long to figure things out.
“Even when he struggled a little bit early on, he had the same attitude and practice every day, and we watched film with him and he kind of saw where he could pick and choose his spots a little better,” Hodges said. “I think he's just letting the game come to him a little bit more than he was early in the season and he's scoring the ball at a high clip.”
During a tough district schedule that featured many of the top teams in Class 6A, Miller averaged 21 points a game.
“That's pretty impressive to do as a junior,” Hodges said. “So, he's had a great year.”
Miller’s season came to an end during the regional tournament after the Broncos were knocked out after losses to Edmond North and Putnam City North. A couple of days later, he was named first team All-District after leading District 1 in scoring with 533 points (21.3 ppg).
Miller will be back in the lab in the offseason with the same work ethic and tenacity as he prepares for his senior campaign.
“It's going to be the same, but even more. Lots of workouts, lifts, getting stronger, just getting my body, all of it,” Miller said. “It is going to make me better as a player and prepare me for the next level as well. Just getting stronger. That's the main thing, working on my body.”
-- Michael Kinney | @SBLiveOK
