Tragedy has struck the NBA community once again! The former NBA star, Oliver Miller, popularly known as The Big O, has passed away. Leaving this world at just 54, the 6 ft 9 star has left close ones shattered and grieving. This includes his former NBA franchise, the Toronto Raptors.

“The Toronto Raptors are saddened to learn of the passing of Oliver Miller, who spent three seasons with our organization. He holds a special place in our history as a member of our inaugural team in 1995, and we are so grateful for all his contributions,” the official X account of the Raptors posted, extending deepest condolences to the Miller family.

The tragic news was first reported by former Phoenix Suns star Eddie Johnson on Wednesday. “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,” he posted on X.

While an official cause of death hasn’t been confirmed, Oliver Miller himself had hinted at his battle in a video posted on X on February 27, where he revealed he was dealing with cancer.

A Fort Worth, Texas native, Miller was a force at Arkansas, playing under legendary coach Nolan Richardson. Alongside future first-rounders Todd Day and Lee Mayberry, he helped bring Razorbacks basketball to national prominence. His time in college saw three straight SEC titles and a trip to the 1990 Final Four—memories that fans still hold dear.

No wonder the Arkansas Razorbacks community has also been hit hard by Big O’s passing. Their official X account paid tribute, saying, “… A key member of the 1990 Final Four team, an SWC Hall of Famer, a first round NBA draft pick and a true embodiment of the Razorback spirit… We love you Big O. Our thoughts are with his family.”

His legacy, however, extends far beyond his college basketball career.

A quick recap of Oliver Miller’s career in the NBA and beyond

Big O made his NBA debut after the Phoenix Suns took a chance on him with the 22nd overall pick in the 1992 NBA Draft. For two seasons, he held his own in Phoenix, showing flashes of the player he could become. However, over the years, Miller bounced around the league. He suited up for the Suns, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings, and Minnesota Timberwolves.

His career numbers—7.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game—might not jump off the page, but his presence on the court was undeniable. If you remember the Suns’ 1992-93 run to the NBA Finals, Miller was right there as a rookie, witnessing firsthand what it was like to run into Michael Jordan at the peak of his powers.

At 6-foot-9 and listed at 280 pounds (though he weighed more as his career progressed), Miller wasn’t your typical ’90s big man. He had a surprising feel for the game, making him more than just a physical presence in the paint. So when he stepped away from the NBA in 2000, Miller took his talents overseas. He played in Poland, Puerto Rico, China, and stints in smaller U.S.-based leagues. But he wasn’t quite done yet.

In 2003-04, at 33 years old, Oliver Miller briefly returned with the Timberwolves, logging 10.5 minutes per game in what would be his last NBA stint. His career finally came to a close in 2010 when he suited up for the Premier Basketball League’s Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry. From the NBA to the far corners of the basketball world, his journey was anything but ordinary.