Enough can't be said about the recent play of Darius Miller. Granted most of his improved play has came at home (as has the rest of the team) but at least it's a start. Darius even picked up the nickname "Disappearius" Miller because of his ability to disappear in key stretches of important games. Just look at the Arkansas game from earlier in the week for an example. Sure he scored 13pts but it just seemed like at key times during the game Darius was looking to dish the ball instead of shooting, and wasn't looking to rebound like he is capable of. But as of now at least, it looks like he is starting to turn things around.
When the first of his two threes left Miller's hands last night and ripped through the net, you could see the confidence on his face. From that point on, he was looking to score the ball any way he could. Darius drove the lane putting up a floater, a shot that I believe is his best offensive weapon, and is difficult for ANYONE to stop. Every time Miller drove the lane, and took advantage of a smaller player, he would either score on the floater, or get fouled and score on free throws. Either way, every basket he made did nothing but raise his confidence, and that is something that Darius and quite frankly the whole team needs at this point.
Florida coach Billy Donovan was also impressed with the improved play of Darius Miller.
"He is the most complete player in the league. He drove the ball hard, and he made tough shots." I agree with Donovan's statement that Darius is the most complete player in the league. I have watched him since his high school days, and there is no doubt that he is the most athletic player on this team. Donovan also said "He's really improved his shooting, and now when you press up on him, he can go by you. He was a huge difference in the game." This I don't agree with, the reason I say that is, Darius hasn't improved his shot or his ability to drive, he has FOUND it. He always had the ability to do those things, he just never would for some unknown reason.
Miller was happy about the way he played, and rightfully so. "It was a fun game, especially when we are playing well as a team, and playing well against a good team. It was fun to be a part of it." Well he wasn't just a part of it, he was one of the main reasons for it. Now I will admit that I was one of those fans who has been disappointed in the play of Miller this season, and that is just because I know he is capable of so much more than what he has been showing. Watching him play used to make me want to go out and lick a hot light bulb, but last night it had me saying finally. This is the type of player he can be every game and this is the type of player Kentucky needs him to be.
We will see if he can maintain this type of play and get some revenge on a Vandy team that is playing really well right now.
So until Tuesday nights game, let's all give Miller the credit he deserves.
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