Occupation - Assistant men's basketball coach at Xavier University

Realization - January 17th, 2002, Butler vs. Wisconsin Green Bay

Admiration - January 24th, 2002, Butler vs. Loyola

Often seen with - His wife, Holly

Carries - A playbook, humbled pride, and money ^_^ I like that money bit, don't I?

Wears - When playing, a white tank top #4 jersey and matching shorts

Brought to life by - His own determination!

 

 

There was no doubt in my mind that Brandon captured my heart the instant I saw him. Most know how it all began, but for those who don't, allow me to explain. Ever since I can remember, I have always had a thing for the number four, not because it was lucky, it was just my favorite number. So you can imagine when I first saw Brandon on the court, I saw that jersey number, and instantly dubbed him as an excellent player, and that's exactly what he was, and still is.

 

 

With the exclusion of one game thereafter, I came to each and every home game, cheering Brandon on, and I even travelled a staggering twelve hours to see him play at Syracuse, New York in the NIT. In the following season, it was the year that every mid-major fan became a believer in small school miracles, and the year that Brandon shined alongside his teammates.

 

 

It was clear that I was already infatuated with Brandon, but it never really hit me on just how much I appreciated him until March of 2003. That year when Butler was admitted to the NCAA Tournament, they were to play overwhelming favorites, Mississippi State, but the dogs held tough, and all the more so for Brandon. Because of his efforts, determination, and skill, Butler won 47-46 by a last second shot put up by Brandon himself. In the stands I cheered like crazy, cried, and was unbelievably excited for the team and for Brandon.

 

 

Despite all the games I have witnessed, all the athletes I have come across, and all the people I have met, no one comes remotely close into just how special Brandon is to me.

 

1.) He is quite possibly one of the best basketball players of his time, a dominant guard who reigns the court, and can shoot the lights out!

 

2.) Throughout his career that I have followed, he never failed in supporting his teammates, and also never failed in playing his top game.

 

3.) Brandon just has a spark about him, something that shines clear to people and makes them appreciate what he and other athletes go through to get to where they are. He is an incredible role model for everybody.

 

4.) Flat out, he is my hero. I look up to him and his example, never giving up, and pursuing my goals that I have set for myself.

 

5.) As an extra plus, he is indeed a cutie! He has beautiful blue eyes, a cute smile, and gives amazing hugs!! Believe me, I know that for a fact! ^_^

 

6.) He is humble, yet confident in his abilities, something every athlete should do, instead of just being cocky all the time.

 

Every athlete has them, so let's take a look at just a few of what Brandon's done so far in his sports career!

 

Highschool - Attended Chrysler Highschool in New Castle, IN, is presently the all time winningest player with 84 career wins, and was picked to the all-state team twice.

 

2000-01 - Started all 32 games, led Butler in three-point field goals, scored sixteen points in overtime win against UWM, and scored twenty-six points in his first game with Butler against Eastern Illinois.

 

2001-02 - Scored career high twenty-nine points against UIC, named to all-conference team, named to all-conference academic team, had 20 double figure scoring efforts, named  Horizon League Player of the Week after UIC win.

 

2002-03 - Scored the game winning shot against Miss.St in first round of the NCAA Tournament, received the Chip Hilton Award (a high honor in college basketball), was part of the all-time winningest senior class in Butler history, finished in the top ten for Butler all-time scoring.

 

2003-04 - Helped Xavier head coach, Thad Matta lead Xavier to the Elite 8 in the NCAA Tournament.

 

Though I hang around the locker room hallway a lot after games, back then I was still rather nervous about doing such. However, I got the courage to finally ask Brandon for a picture after his second to last home game. He granted me my wish, and I was on cloud nine for the rest of the night, but it was about to even get better!

 

Typically after games, my mom and I like to go to Fazoli's, so as I'm finishing up, my mom grins as wide as she possibly can and says, "Someone you know is here." I just thought maybe it was someone from school, but as I turn around, I notice instantly that it's Brandon and his family! Somehow without freaking out, I managed to stay in my seat, and then this happened...

 

Mom - Telle, will you get me a lid for my cup?

 

Telle - Sure, Mom! I would love to get you a lid for your cup! *stands up, and begins walking over to the fountain drinks counter for a lid*

 

Familiar Voice - Hey!

 

Telle - *turns around, pretends to act surprised* Well hey there! What you doin' out so late?

 

Brandon - Likewise! Hey, I hope that picture from earlier turns out good, I want a copy!

 

Telle - I'm sure it will, and thanks again for doing that. I'll love that picture forever!*tries desperately to maintain composure*

 

Again, I walked back to our table just as excited as a girl on her sixteenth birthday, and as we're about to leave, his mother approaches me with a picture of Brandon, and its signed! She said they give those out to people who wear his jersey, and since I was wearing it, she gave it to me, and also because I was so devoted to him. So it was just so cool that for no real reason they gave me that picture which is on my door still to this day! And of course as we were leaving, Brandon stopped me for another hug, I felt I was in heaven, and finally got out of there.

 

The next best encounter came on the night of the Sweet 16 Celebration, a party fans threw together to honor the team and seniors. Just a couple weeks before, I had a t-shirt made that said across the front "Brandon Miller's #1 Fan", and when I showed up at that gig, Brandon immediately recognized me. I got who knows how many hugs from him that night, another autograph for my jersey, and the sweetest five words ever said to me : "I won't ever forget you". This however would not be the last time I saw Brandon in person.

 

About a month later, maybe less, New Castle decided to have a "reunion game", compiled of the '03 seniors, and other past Butler players who were still capable of playing on a high level. Our opponent...yeah, the IU All-Stars, a team comprised of some '03 IU seniors, other past players, and my distant cousin David Baily. Butler blew 'em outta the water, but more importantly, I got to see Brandon again, gave him at least three more hugs, and got my best picture with him. He had told me too that he hoped I would be there to see him one last time, and I'm glad I went, because I have not seen him in person since. Even still though, I'm so happy about those special times I had with him, and that he didn't brush me off as just another teenage girl wanting attention. I believe he realized just what he was to me, so he took that thought into account and never let me down in terms of being a role model.

 

 

 

I have many more, but these are just a few of my favorites, including the two where I am with Brandon. ^_^

 

I only know of two honestly, and one is mine. So go ahead and check 'em out!