Having Never Played in the WNBA, Olympic Gold Medalist Cheryl Miller Reflects on Paving the Way for Young Players

The Basketball legends are not only followed for their conduct on the field but off the field too. Fans learn a lot and also emulate their behavior. Hence, it is normal for players to be under a lot of media attention. One such WNBA legend Cheryl Miller left the fans gaping for more when she floored them with her opinions and anecdotes specially when talking about her career.

For the unversed, Miller was a small forward for the University of Southern California who bagged the Naismith player of the year award for a record three times consecutively. Let us have a look at what she had to say.

What did Miller say

The California-born was recently hosted on the Knucklehead podcast where she gave a glimpse in her life. Miller was quite open and spoke at length about her opinions and incidents that shaped her from sibling rivalry during early childhood to the infamous Championship cartwheel. She was also quite humble when talking about her legacy and the great ‘legacy’ she has left behind.

“I don’t need to be up in the conversation of who was the greatest or anything else. If anybody ever says [anything] about me that I would embrace is ‘she paid it forward.’ If you give me that due that I paid it forward and a ‘Hey, Cheryl, I remember.’

I think the younger players are doing a better job, but I’m saying women in general, and I don’t care if they get mad at me, ladies, if you want everybody to respect women’s basketball then support one another. That’s the one thing I need us to embrace is I want the younger players to understand that there were people before them,” stated Miller.

Apart from bagging the Naismith award, Miller was also inducted in the Hall of fame in 1999. She led USC to championship titles in 1983 and 84. She was also awarded the NCAA MVP both years. As a recognition for her legacy, the Trojans retired her jersey number – 31. Hence, she was champion throughout her playing days and also after it when she joined as a USC as a coach and also ventured into broadcasting.

Unfortunately, Miller couldn’t continue her playing career as she suffered horrendous knee injuries that prevented her from taking part in the game any further. Thus, a star in her own right, Miller couldn’t ever be a part of the WNBA that was inaugurated in 1997.

READ MORE: “I Said Kobe, What Are You Talking to Michael About?”: Cheryl Miller Reveals Rookie Kobe Bryant’s ‘Crazy Side’ During 1st Game vs Michael Jordan

Another interesting that caught the ears of fans was when Miller gave an insight into her relationship with USA head coach Pat Summitt.

What was the infamous incident

Fans remember Miller for her ’84 cartwheel in front of Summitt when the latter was the head coach for Tennessee and Miller was representing USC in the Finals between the two teams. Her antics just to win a bet had riled up Summitt which is said to have strained their relationship. Nonetheless, Miller helped the USA women’s basketball team win the coveted gold medal during the 1984 Summer Olympics held at Los Angeles.

How do you think the WNBA will shape up? Will women basketball players also achieve the same stature as NBA legends LeBron James and Michael Jordan? And is Miller one of the greatest athletes to have graced the court? Do let us know in the comments below!

Watch This Story: NBA Legend, a 13x All-Star With a $170M Fortune, Partners Millionaire Alex Rodriguez in WNBA Investment