The guy who put the Big in ‘Big Man,’ Arkansas legend and the most dominant presence of the first Raptors squad, Oliver “Big O” Miller, has passed away. He was 54. The Razorbacks, Raptors, and even former NBA star Eddie A. Johnson announced his passing. After Junior Bridgeman’s loss yesterday, this one hits even harder. The Fort Worth native played for Nolan Richardson’s team in Arkansas and led the Razorbacks to the Final Four in 1990.

Less than two weeks ago, Oliver Miller added a sweet reaction on X: “ Means a lot. Still n tears. #WPS.” The tweet also contained a video in which the Hogs celebrated the 1990 team that finished in the Final Four on a special night. Most of them were back in the Bud Walton Arena, but Big O was not in attendance. Still, the team celebrated him the same way and narrated the cause of his absence.

“The Big O stood out on the court, but even more as a fan favorite with his inextinguishable spirit and giant heart. One of our all time greats is now waging a fight that is far more important than basketball. He continuous courageous battle with cancer in Phoenix, Arizona.” Oliver Miller became a legend at Arkansas while helping lead the Razorbacks to the 1990 Final Four. Miller’s career with the team was from 1989 to 1992, under Coach Nolan Richardson.

The 6’9 Center was a first-round pick (No. 22 overall) in 1992 for the Phoenix Suns, where he played the first two seasons. Big O then went on to have short stints with Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, Dallas Mavericks, and the Sacramento Kings. Apart from this, he also played in semi-pro and also pro leagues overseas until retiring from the sport in 2010. Miller was inducted into the University of Arkansas Sports Hall of Honor in September 2016.

Looking back at Oliver Miller’s contribution to the Razorbacks

The 1989-90 group established their dominance with a “40 minutes of hell” style of play, which paved the way to a 30-5 season and a trip to the Final Four. The Arkansas men’s basketball team welcomed back members of one of its all-time great teams. Todd Day, the program’s all-time leading scorer, alongside fellow guard Lee Mayberry, were in attendance. Naismith Hall of Fame Coach Nolan Richardson’s true difference-maker turned out be big man Oliver Miller.

For the Razorbacks, Big O played 137 games from 1988-92, averaging 12.2 points and 6.5 rebounds. His remarkable performance was during the ’89-90 season, where he would average 11.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks. Not only that, Miller was twice leading the Southwest Conference in blocks and was the conference’s Player of the Year in 1990-91.

That’s why the Hogs have a special place for Oliver Miller in their hearts. After his collegiate journey, he was drafted in the first round by the Suns in 1992, Miller played nine seasons in the NBA and another four overseas. His best season came when he averaged 12.9 points and 7.4 assists with the Raptors in Toronto’s first season, playing 76 games. Post-retirement, with his family, Big O was living comfortably in Phoenix, spending time with his grandchildren

It was Phoenix Suns broadcaster Eddie Johnson who first reported Miller’s death. “I am so sad to report we have lost another @NBA Fraternity member! Nine year veteran Oliver Miller has passed away at age 54! Going to miss you Big O. RIP.” As Johnson stated, another former star had passed away, and just yesterday, the community was dealing with the grief of Junior Bridgeman’s passing.