Ralph H. Miller

A man with strong convictions and integrity, Ralph Miller’s wisdom on the court caused many to believe he might have done just as well as a college professor as he did as a college coach. Miller was one of a handful of coaches to be honored twice as Coach of the Year in three major conferences. After learning the art of pressure basketball, coaching fundamentals, and strategy from Hall of Famer Phog Allen while a player at the University of Kansas, Miller launched his coaching career at Wichita East High School, where his teams won 63 of 80 games and captured a state title in 1951. Miller's 38-year collegiate coaching career included Wichita State University, the University of Iowa, and Oregon State University. His teams implemented a full-court pressing defense and a fast-breaking offensive attack that favored little dribbling and crisp passing. From 1980 to 1982, Miller's Oregon State Beavers won 77 of 88 games and compiled a 49-5 conference record.