Oliver Miller, a robust center who aided the Arkansas team in advancing to the Final Four, sadly passed away at the age of 54. His former teams and the National Basketball Retired Players Association confirmed the news on Wednesday. A specific cause of death has not been disclosed; however, during an event honoring the 1990 Final Four team, it was revealed that Miller had been battling cancer, which he acknowledged with gratitude towards the team for their video tribute shared on social media last month.

Miller, who was affectionately nicknamed “The Big O” due to his significant 6-foot-9, 280-pound stature (which soared to over 300 pounds during his NBA career), became a notable player for Arkansas from 1988 to 1992. Throughout four seasons, he averaged 12.2 points and 6.5 rebounds, playing a key part in Naismith Hall of Fame Coach Nolan Richardson’s 1989-90 squad that reached the Final Four, ultimately losing to Duke and winning the Southwest Conference Player of the Year award in 1991.

In a social media post, Arkansas expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Oliver Miller, referring to him as a key member of the 1990 Final Four team, an SWC Hall of Famer, a first-round NBA draft pick, and a true reflection of the Razorback spirit. They extended their love and condolences to his family.

Miller was selected by the Phoenix Suns in 1992 as the No. 22 overall pick and during his NBA career averaged 7.4 points and 5.9 rebounds, playing for teams such as the Suns, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings, and Minnesota Timberwolves. He also played in Europe, with the Continental Basketball Association, in the United States Basketball League, and with the Harlem Globetrotters.

The Raptors honored Miller with a moment of silence before their game against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night, recognizing him as a member of their inaugural team in 1995, expressing gratitude for all his contributions. They conveyed their deepest sympathies to the Miller family.