TCU basketball star Mike Miles leaving school early, going ‘all-in’ on his NBA dreams
Mike Miles is ready to chase after his NBA dreams.
Miles announced his plans to go all-in pursuing a professional career on Wednesday, ending his college basketball career after two seasons at TCU.
“First and foremost, I would like to thank God for always having a plan for me,” Miles wrote about his announcement on social media. “Thank you to everyone that has played a role in my life no matter how big or small. To the TCU coaches, TCU academic staff, fans, boosters and the best student section in the NCAA, thank you for welcoming me with open arms and challenging me to be a better me.
“My teammates/ my brothers we did what they thought we couldn’t do! You guys were a blessing ... It has been a dream come true!
“After much consideration and talking to my family, I will be declaring for the 2022 NBA Draft.”
TCU coach Jamie Dixon said his staff has been in constant communication with Miles and his family throughout the process, and is “supporting him in everything he does.”
Miles could “test the waters” as far as the NBA Draft and still return for his junior season, but Miles told the Star-Telegram that he is “all-in” on turning professional. He has no plans to return to college for another season.
Miles, 19, is the second player to depart the program this week. Junior guard Francisco Farabello announced his plans to transfer and was officially placed in the NCAA transfer portal on Wednesday afternoon.
TCU is optimistic the rest of the roster who played significant minutes will return next season outside of Miles and Farabello.
Miles, who is listed at 6-foot-2, 195 pounds, averaged a team-leading 15.4 points per game this season for the Frogs. He battled through injuries to both of his wrists in the second half of the season.
Those injuries, coupled with opposing defenses zeroing in on Miles much of the season, attributed to his dip in field goal percentage (38.2%) and 3-point percentage (29.5%) from his true freshman season. Miles also averaged 2.8 turnovers per game this season.
But Miles is banking on himself testing well throughout the pre-draft process and joining an organization where he can develop.
Miles leaves TCU as one of the top players in recent years, the star on a team that ended a 35-year drought between NCAA Tournament victories. The Frogs also won a program-record five ranked games this season.
Miles acknowledged the difficult decision he faced last weekend but ultimately decided it was time to take the next step.
As he told the Star-Telegram over the weekend, “I do think my game is ready for the next level. I work hard, and I believe in my talent. If I do make that decision to go that way, I’d be fully confident in my abilities.”
This story was originally published March 30, 2022 at 1:05 PM.
