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Ralph Miller by the numbers
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Wednesday, May 16, 2001
Ex-OSU coach Miller dies at 82
Associated Press
CORVALLIS, Ore. – Ralph Miller, who coached Oregon State to
four Pac-10 basketball championships and eight NCAA Tournament
appearances, died at age 82.
Miller died Tuesday at his home at Black Butte Ranch, university
officials said.
Miller retired in 1989 with the sixth-most victories for a
Division I coach, 674 victories. His teams had only three losing
seasons in 38 years as a major college coach.
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Wed, May 16
During his 19 seasons in Corvallis, Ore., Ralph Miller built Oregon State into an elite program, even though he coached at a time when UCLA was dominating the Pac-10.
More of Vitale's tribute
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"Oregon State University has lost a true giant," athletic
director Mitch Barnhart said.
The Hall of Fame coach compiled a record of 359-186 in 19
seasons at Oregon State, beginning in 1971.
Miller led the 1981 team to the nation's No. 1 ranking for nine
weeks, and five of his teams were ranked in the top 10. In addition
to conference titles and NCAA appearances, his teams made three
trips to the NIT and won seven Far West Classic titles.
He also was a two-time Pac-10 Coach of the Year and coached Gary
Payton, who went on to become a star for the Seattle SuperSonics.
"Coach Miller is someone who believed in me and helped make me
the player I am today," Payton said in a statement. "He always
stressed defense and rewarded players who worked hard on the
defensive end with offense. That type of system gave me the
confidence to succeed on both ends of the court.
|  | | Ralph Miller only coached three teams with losing record in his 38 years as a major college coach. |
"He also gave me the opportunity to pursue an education and
make a better life for me and my family. For that, I am forever
grateful."
Miller's other pupils included A.C. Green, a 16-year NBA veteran
who won three titles with the Los Angeles Lakers, and 1980s
All-Americans Charlie Sitton, Jose Ortiz and Lester Connor.
"I looked to Ralph as my mentor, but most of all as a good
friend," said longtime assistant and former Oregon State coach Jim
Anderson. "Every coach in the program since Ralph has attempted to
emulate the high level of achievement his teams experienced."
Miller was born in Chanute, Kan., where he earned four letters
in football and track, three in basketball, and one in golf and
tennis at Chanute High School.
He also earned all-state honors in basketball three times before
entering Kansas in 1937, where he became a two-sport star. He earned
three letters as a football quarterback and three in basketball
playing for Phog Allen.
Following his graduation from Kansas in 1942 with a degree in
physical education, Miller served three years in the U.S. Air Force
during World War II and was discharged at the rank of first
lieutenant.
Miller started his coaching career at Wichita State in 1952,
where he also earned a master's degree in physical education. In 13
seasons, he guided the Shockers to a record of 220-133, a Missouri
Valley Conference title, three appearances in the NIT, and one
berth in the NCAA tournament. He coached at Iowa from 1965-70,
winning two Big Ten titles and taking the Hawkeyes to one NCAA
Tournament.
Miller was inducted into the James Naismith Hall of Fame in
1988.
"This is a sad day for college basketball," Beavers coach
Ritchie McKay said. "Ralph had a huge impact on the game and in
young peoples lives."
Miller is survived by his wife Jean; son Paul Miller of Black
Butte Ranch; daughters Susan Langer of Vancouver, Wash., and
Shannon Jakosky of Balboa, Calif.; two sisters, 10 grandchildren;
and two great-grandchildren.
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