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5-ON-5 WITH XAVIER'S SEAN MILLER


DAVE MAGARITY: A lot of people do not realize how important it is to have familiarity for the players. Having been such an important part of Coach Matta’s staff, I imagine it made for a much easier transition for both the players and you?

SEAN MILLER: It has. You not only have familiarity with the team but also with the University that you coach at, including the inner workings and the history and tradition. Xavier has had a long tradition of success. I think it helped me learn to appreciate what a great job I have.

MAGARITY: At Miami (Ohio), North Carolina State, Pittsburgh, and Wisconsin you had an opportunity to work with some great coaches. What are some of the things you learned from each coach?

MILLER: Herb Sendek teaches you the value of hard work, the grind of working hard every day and doing things the right way. Thad Matta teaches you the value of people skills and how important it is to treat the players a certain way and the differences late in the season as opposed to early in the season. Stu Jackson was the first coach I worked for in college. It was a great experience because I also got a chance to work with Stan Van Gundy, who is now coaching the Miami Heat. I learned a lot from them about what college basketball is all about.

MAGARITY: During your playing days at Pittsburgh, the Big East was considered one of the top, if not the best, conference in America. What do you recall most from those days and who was the best player you ever faced?

MILLER: The main thing I remember about the Big East at that time was the schools all seemed to have such a tradition surrounding them. When you played Villanova, you had Rollie Massimino and their history with the big title win over Georgetown. You played St. John's and dealt with Lou Carnesecca and the sweater. With Georgetown you had John Thompson and his ever present towel. The list of players was unbelievable, including Cliff Robinson, Alonzo Mourning, Dikembe Mutumbo, Charles Smith, Ron Seikaly, Derrick Coleman, Sherman Douglass and Dana Barros. Seton Hall made the Final Four with P.J. Carlissimo when I was there. It was round-robin, home-and-away, with a true champion. It was a great experience.

MAGARITY: Your father, John has put together an impressive career at Blackhawk High School in Pittsburgh. What has it been like for you to go from playing for you dad to now being a division I head coach and how much of your dad’s approach to the game have you worked into your approach?

MILLER: My Dad is first and foremost a teacher of the game. He taught me his passion and love of the game.

MAGARITY: Lastly, what do you like to do when you are not coaching?

MILLER: Given all that goes into coaching, free time is rare. I like to spend every opportunity I get with my wife and my three sons.

MAGARITY: Good luck the rest of the way Sean.

MILLER: Thanks coach.

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