Head Coach Ryan Miller is off and running with his head coaching duties as he looks for players that align with his idea for the Murray State men’s basketball program.
Miller listed the three biggest things he’s looking for in his players during his introductory press conference. The first was that his players will be unselfish, believing in the power of “we over me.” The second was toughness, both mentally and physically on and off the court. The last was to be competitive.
Miller said they will recruit and look for players and individuals that have these attributes and “define the Murray way.”
“Beyond basketball, our players will not just leave this campus as better athletes, but as better men,” Miller said. “(They’ll) be prepared for life beyond the court. They’ll be smart, educated and hard-working Murray men. That is the standard we will set.”
Athletic Director Nico Yantko said what he was looking for in the next head coach and how Miller checked all of the boxes.
“When we looked at the profile and the characteristics to find our leader of this basketball program,” Yankto said, “we wanted them to (be) a relentless recruiter, someone who can evaluate and develop talent at a high level, a proven winner and someone who builds positive relationships with those he serves.”
Yantko shared how Miller fit all of the criteria they wanted.
“He’s been to eight NCAA Tournaments with appearances in the Elite Eight, multiple Sweet Sixteens. He’s a proven winner: check,” Yantko said. “He’s had numerous top nationally ranked recruiting classes at multiple institutions. Relentless recruiter: check.”
From success at a high level to recruiting great players to building strong relationships with anyone he came in contact with, Yantko made it clear.
“This guy fit exactly what we were looking for,” Yantko said.
Miller’s first official statement as the new head men’s basketball coach at Murray State let everyone know how excited he was for the opportunity.
“It’s an incredible honor to stand before you as the new men’s head basketball coach at Murray State,” Miller said. “This moment feels surreal and I’m deeply grateful to join a proud and passionate community like yourself.”
After giving thanks to Yantko, Dr. Bob Jackson, the search committee, his family, former staff and players and a list of mentors, including John Calipari and Greg McDermott, Miller gave high praise to the program.
“Murray State basketball is more than a program, it’s a legacy,” Miller said. “For a century, this team has stood on the excellence of toughness and pride. From the OVC days where they had thrilling NCAA Tournament runs, the Racers have a history that inspires people like me.”
After praising former coaches and players like Mick Cronin, Billy Kennedy, Matt McMahon, Steve Prohm, Isaiah Canaan, Cameron Payne and Ja Morant, Miller made his intentions for the program crystal clear for Racer Nation.
“My vision is clear,” Miller said. “To compete for Missouri Valley Conference championships, both regular season and tournament and become a regular contender in the NCAA Tournament. Coming from Creighton, I’ve seen what it takes to succeed and I’m ready to bring that championship mentality to Murray. We’ll play fast, we’ll play smart and we’ll play together.”
Miller said he will recruit talented and high-character players “who are eager to wear the blue and gold.”
“Striving to win every drill, every day, every second and taking those life lessons we learn on the practice court onto the real court,” Miller said.
After telling the members of the team that he looks forward to helping them along their process and journey, he gave a special message to the fans.
“I’ve heard about your passion,” Miller said. “The sellout crowds at the CFSB Center, the road trips and the way you rally behind this team. I’m thrilled to experience the energy and deliver a team that you’ll be prideful of and you’ll root and cheer for. Racer Nation, we’re all in. We’re excited to call Murray home and invest everything we have into this program.”
