On the court, Vyctorius “VJ” Miller thrives at assessing his options and making the right choices based on what’s in front of him. It’s a skill that’s proving useful for him off the court as well.
When we spoke by phone in early November, Miller was in the process of finalizing a decision on where he’d play his senior year of high school ball. He starred at Crean Lutheran (CA) High as a sophomore, then transferred to AZ Compass Prep, where he showed out as a junior last season. The Southern California native was expected to be back at Crean Lutheran for his final season, but at press time, he was still weighing his options—including a possible return to Compass Prep.
Wherever he finally ends up this winter, Miller will take his place as one of the top prospects in the class of 2024. And that brings us to his other big pending decision. When we spoke in November, the 6-5, 180-pound combo guard had officially narrowed the options for his post-high school destination and as of November of last year, officially committed to Oregon.
“Wherever I go will be some-where I can play as a freshman, and where the coaching staff will embrace me,” he had told SLAM.
Any coaching staff in its right mind will be happy to welcome Miller, who has used his length, vision, versatility and athleticism to confirm a spot as a national top-50 recruit in the ’24 class. Asked to assess his strengths, he says, “I definitely think of myself as a point guard, so I’d say my passing ability, plus I’m a three-level scorer and I can score at will. I’m also just a good person to be around.” As far as areas of improvement, he’s still working on making the jump from solid defender to “lockdown defender, because I know that’s what keeps you on the court.”
Genetics helped get Miller on the court in the first place, as hoop talent runs in the family. His dad, Vyshonn Miller, better known as ’90s No Limit Records standout Silkk the Shocker, was a solid hooper back in the day, while his uncle Percy “Master P” Miller, famously got an NBA tryout not long after he built No Limit into a southern rap dynasty. He’s also seen cousins Romeo, Hercy and Mercy Miller climb the prep hoops ladder and make it to the college ranks, so he understands better than most the challenges and opportunities in front of him.
Whatever advantages he might have enjoyed given his famous family, Miller comes off like a dude who’s focused on earning his spot—and leaving no doubt that he deserves it. “Not gonna lie, I feel like I’ve been more locked in this year than ever,” he says. “I’m starting to have that feeling like a chip on my shoulder again, because I’m one of those guys that’s gotta show people who I am.” Asked to clarify—does he feel like he simply needs to remind people how good he is, or that he’s still trying to prove he even belongs among the best prospects in the country?—Miller is blunt. “It’s definitely the first one,” he says. “People know I’m like that, but not necessarily day in and day out.”
He’ll have his chance to remind them soon enough. Although he didn’t yet have his senior year destination nailed down when we spoke—presumably that’ll be confirmed by the time you read this—Miller did have a short, clear list of goals to check off before he wraps a stellar high school career. “I’m definitely trying to be an All-American, and just dominate, really,” he says. “That, and just try to become a better person on and off the court.”
Photos by: Atiba Jefferson
