Skyline basketball: DeSean Miller profile

In late June, I interviewed Skyline (Utah) basketball player DeSean Miller, who was instrumental in the Eagles' success this year as they finished 16-7. Here is the article that will appear in the Skyline boys basketball yearbook.

DeSean Miller:

He finally felt at home at Skyline

and he turned around Eagles’ fortunes

By Bruce Smith
Matchup
 
            When Jaden Jackson left Skyline High School last year, most people thought the Eagles’ program was in turmoil.
            If that was the case, it didn’t last long.
            Jackson’s departure brought the team closer, starting with DeSean Miller, who new coach Derek Bunting quickly recognized as the player he would build around. The Eagles ended up with a 16-7 record and advanced to the second round of the 4A state tournament, where they lost to eventual champion Orem.
            It was their best season since 2009.
            “It was a huge step up from the previous season,” said Miller. “Losing Jaden and then all of us coming together to make the playoffs. It was a great year.”
            Miller, ironically, had transferred from American Fork a year earlier in order to play with Jackson. The players had been summer-league teammates the year before. Miller actually lived in the Alpine-Highland area, which is nearest to Lone Peak High School.
            “I transferred from Lone Peak to American Fork halfway through my freshman year,” Miller said. “I was ready for a new change. My best friend from Lone Peak (Chase Hansen) transferred to American Fork and a lot of other friends moved over there.”
            If not for a few decisions, Miller could have played on two state championship teams at Lone Peak, a 5A power, or possibly at American Fork, which also had a fine team. He said he occasionally regretted the moves, but that changed when Bunting returned to Skyline, replacing Bernie Graziano, and immediately installed Miller in the lineup.
            “It was pretty clear that DeSean Miller was the guy to run the team," said Bunting. "He was the best ball handler, by far, and had a high basketball IQ. It was his team from the first practice."
            Bunting had a lot of success at Skyline a few years earlier and, after a disappointing junior season, Miller knew his senior year would play a big role in his basketball future.
            Miller had played on Skyline’s football team, but quit late in the season in order to focus on basketball. It ended up being a good move. Miller led the Eagles in scoring at 13.2 points per game. He also topped the team in assists and steals.
            Miller scored in double figures in 19 of Skyline’s 23 games. He had a high of 23 points in the Eagles’ win at Olympus. His ability to use his speed and quickness to get by defenders on the perimeter was instrumental. That left him open to shoot, pass or get fouled. He shot about 70 percent from the free-throw line and forced defenses to focus on him.
            “We were not a one-man team,” Miller said. “I got a chance to distribute the ball and everyone stepped up. I liked it. With Jaden, we would have had more scoring but when he left, I wanted to take that role.”
            At first, junior Garrett England was the benefactor. His three-point shooting accuracy saved the Eagles several times early in the year and his game-winning baskets were among the team’s highlights. Miller also had a chance when he nailed a three-pointer against East in a game Skyline eventually lost 43-42.
            Miller said his best game came in Skyline’s 51-34 win at Murray. The Eagles were coming off a home loss to Herriman and were highly motivated. Miller had 22 points in that game, but it was the way the team played that he remembered most.
            “My assists were up, my three-point shots were good, my passing was good and scoring was great,” he said. “That was when we were at our best. I found my shot early in that game.”
            At the time, the 34 points allowed was also the fewest the Eagles had given up all season. Skyline blew the game open in the third quarter in a place where – traditionally – it has been tough to win.
            “Coach said I was the quickest guy on the court,” Miller said. “He told me to attack the basket hard – every time.”
            Miller also had good memories of the Eagles’ win over Sky View in the first round of the 4A state tournament. Skyline had lost its last two regular-season games and felt like underdogs but came on to win 38-31.
            “It was a great feeling for everyone,” he said. “We came over a big hump. Nobody took any big shots last year except for Jaden.  But me, Garrett and Mike Staes had about 10 points and everyone played together in that game.”
            The success Miller and Skyline had didn’t result in a scholarship, but the door to Miller’s basketball future remained open. He planned to enroll at Marianapolis Prep Academy in Thompson, Conn., to continue his education and hope for a basketball scholarship.