Get ready, basketball fans, because Boopie Miller is making serious waves! This senior guard from SMU has been named to the prestigious Lute Olson Award Early Season National Player of the Year Watch List, a recognition that highlights his exceptional talent. But what makes Miller stand out, and why should you care? Let's dive in!
Miller, who was also selected for the preseason All-ACC second team, is one of only 30 players nationally to be included on this watch list. His stats are nothing short of impressive: he's averaging 20.2 points (ranking 4th in the ACC and 32nd in the NCAA), 6.5 assists (3rd in the ACC, 13th in the NCAA), 2.2 steals (4th in the ACC, 44th in the NCAA), and 3.8 rebounds per game. He also boasts a remarkable 2.40 assist-to-turnover ratio (13th in the ACC).
But here's where it gets controversial... Miller's shooting accuracy is outstanding. He's hitting 45.6% of his shots overall, a stellar 42.0% from three-point range, and an incredible 91.7% from the free-throw line (leading the ACC and ranking 23rd in the NCAA!). He's made 77 of 84 free throws, topping the ACC in makes (and ranking 9th in the NCAA) and coming in third in the ACC in attempts (26th in the NCAA). He's also notched three double-doubles this season (9th in the ACC, 64th in the NCAA) – showcasing his ability to score and assist. Miller is leading a Mustang offense that is one of only 22 teams nationally to have five players averaging double figures in scoring.
Under the guidance of head coach Andy Enfield, in his second year, the Mustangs have a solid 9-2 overall record. SMU is also receiving votes in the USA Today Coaches Poll and is ranked No. 43 in the NCAA NET. Their home record is a perfect 7-0, including an exciting 87-85 victory over Butler on November 15th, where Miller shined with 23 points and 12 assists. He also had a season-high 28 points and 9 rebounds in the overtime win at Mississippi State on November 28th.
Now, let's take a look at the other players on the Lute Olson Award Early Season Watch List:
- Darius Acuff Jr. 6-3 Fr. Arkansas
- Christian Anderson 6-2 So. Texas Tech
- Chad Baker-Mazara 6-7 Sr. USC
- Cameron Boozer 6-9 Fr. Duke
- Jaden Bradley 6-3 Sr. Arizona
- Ryan Conwell 6-4 Sr. Louisville
- AJ Dybantsa 6-9 Fr. BYU
- Zuby Ejiofor 6-9 Sr. St. John's
- Jeremy Fears Jr. 6-2 So. Michigan State
- Ja'Kobi Gillespie 6-1 Sr. Tennessee
- Graham Ike 6-9 Sr. Gonzaga
- PJ Haggerty 6-4 Jr. Kansas State
- Keyshawn Hall 6-7 Sr. Auburn
- Joshua Jefferson 6-9 Sr. Iowa State
- Trey Kaufman-Renn 6-9 Sr. Purdue
- Yaxel Lendeborg 6-9 Sr. Michigan
- Tamin Lipsey 6-1 Sr. Iowa State
- Nick Martinelli 6-7 Sr. Northwestern
- Duke Miles 6-2 Sr. Vanderbilt
- Boopie Miller 6-0 Sr. SMU
- Koa Peat 6-8 Fr. Arizona
- Darryn Peterson 6-6 Fr. Kansas
- Labaron Philon, Jr. 6-4 So. Alabama
- Emanuel Sharp 6-3 Sr. Houston
- Braden Smith 6-3 Sr. Purdue
- Hannes Steinbach 6-11 Fr. Washington
- Darrion Williams 6-6 Sr. NC State
- Bruce Thornton 6-2 Sr. Ohio State
- JT Toppin 6-9 Jr. Texas Tech
- Caleb Wilson 6-10 Fr. North Carolina
A Little About the Lute Olson Award
The award is named in honor of the legendary coach Lute Olson, who achieved 776 wins in 34 seasons, including 24 at the University of Arizona. During his tenure, he led the Wildcats to 11 Pac-10 Conference titles, 23 consecutive NCAA Tournaments, four Final Four appearances, and a National Championship in 1997. Olson is one of only 25 head coaches in NCAA history to win 700 or more games (across all divisions) and ranks ninth on the Division I career victories list. He finished with a winning percentage of .731 and is the all-time winningest coach in Arizona history with a 587-190 record (.755). He was named Pac-10 Coach of the Year seven times. He also guided Arizona to 20 consecutive 20-win seasons and is one of only three coaches in NCAA history to record 29 or more 20-win seasons. In 2002, Olson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Coach Olson passed away on August 27, 2020. The recipient of the annual award is determined by a 10-member voting committee, which includes current and former head coaches, as well as two senior staff members of collegeinsider.com. The 2026 award will be announced in Indianapolis, IN, site of the men's Division I Basketball Championship.
Players Mentioned
- #2 Boopie Miller
- G
- 6' 0"
- SR
- SR-1L
What do you think? Will Boopie Miller continue to impress and make a strong case for the Lute Olson Award? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Are there any other players on the list you think are underrated? Let's discuss!
