Brandon Miller, Alabama freshman was named the SEC player of the year and newcomer of the year by The Associated Press on Tuesday.
Miller, who has been embroiled in controversy in recent weeks, he’s only the fourth freshman in the past 50 years to lead the SEC in scoring, averaging 19.6 points per game.
Brandon Miller, #24 of the Alabama Crimson Tide, flies to the basket for a dunk during the second half against the Florida Gators at Coleman Coliseum on February 8, 2023 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Brandon Sumrall/Getty Images)
He is also averaging 8 rebounds per game while leading the SEC in 3-pointers with 93.
Miller is linked to the January shooting death of 23-year-old Jamea Jonae Harris after police testimony alleged he transported a former teammate. Darius Miles’s Gun which was used in the shooting.
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Miller’s attorney, Jim Standridge, issued a statement in February clarifying that the prominent freshman «never saw the gun» belonging to Miles, who has since been charged with capital murder in the shooting death of harris near the university campus in January.
«On January 14, Brandon played in an afternoon basketball game and was later asked by Darius Miles to drive him to the Strip area for a nightclub,» the statement read, via the Tuscaloosa Patch.
Brandon Miller, #24, listens to Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nate Oats during a timeout during a basketball game against the South Carolina Gamecocks on February 22, 2023 at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina. (David Jensen/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
«Mr. Miles brought his legal weapon and left it in the backseat of Brandon’s vehicle. Brandon never saw the gun or handled it. Additionally, we understand the gun was hidden under some clothing in the backseat of his car. «.
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The statement went on to say that instead of going into the nightclub, Miller went off to get food. Miles later contacted him to pick him up to go to a different location, and while he was already on his way, Miller received a text from Miles asking him to «bring him your firearm.»
Alabama Crimson Tide forward Brandon Miller, #24, leads a fast break during the basketball game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Texas A&M Aggies at Reed Arena on March 4, 2023 in College Station, Texas. (Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Miller has not been charged with any crime and the university has said he is a cooperating witness, not a suspect.
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The freshman has led Alabama to a 26-5 record and No. 4 in the AP Top 25 heading into the SEC Tournament.
The Crimson Tide won the SEC regular season title last week for the second time in two years.
Associated Press contributed to this report