In a day and age where there are 19-20 year old re-classified seniors across the country, post graduates who try to double re-class, consider 6-foot-6 Lawrence North (IN) freshman Brennan Jay Miller a veritable basketball young soul.
At just 14, the high level shot maker with a cerebral all around game suddenly entertains weighty expectations of a quick hit impact at Lawrence North HS.
Even, of course, as North returns a youth laden core of college ready talent and surefire Division 1 level players.
Miller upped his profile while playing for Hoop Dreams this summer, turning in multiple games of eight three-pointers or more.
With a blend of instinctive defensive style as both an on the ball and off ball defender, Miller plays beyond his years.
He’s versatile enough to guard the 2-4.
The young freshman has grinded at a manical pace in polishing up his skill set, a necessity as he prepares for the rigors of meaningful varsity minutes in a hothouse environment.
Pushing his evolution has been his father, former Warren Central forward Derrick Miller.
Miller went on to play for Division-II national power University of Indianapolis, even after his career was marred by injuries.
His competitive juices and knack for the unrequired work never dissipated, even after his four year career at the program culminated.
And so every day at the Bethel Indy Parks and Recreation, Dad puts promising young son through everything from drill work to footwork to pressure spiked shooting competitions.The older crowd has taken notice as well.
“(Miller) has an unrivaled work ethic at 6-6 and he’s still growing as a freshman, so his upside is tremendous,” said former Southport HS sharpshooter Mike Ramey, who went on to play at Southern Miss and is currently playing professionally in Colombia.
“Hes a work ethic kid, a high character kid. What really differentiates Brennan is just the high motor he plays at and how receptive he is to coaching.”
Ramey continued, “You see today’s kid, they really just want to score. Brennan just plays with a sustained relentlessness and is sound in all elements of his game. He has a hand in every play, he employs a selfless style.”
Miller continues to evolve as an open court finisher, using his length and springy athleticism to crunch extravagant dunks.
Lawrence North returns a youth laden team with veteran experience.The team’s focal point returns in 2025 point guard Azavier Robinson, who is currently being recruited by the likes of Purdue, Indiana, and several others.
Robinson is an uber athletic, blurrish quick guard with scoring spurt-ability. He went off for 60 points in an AAU game, playing for local Indianapolis product and current Milwaukee Bucks guard George Hill.
The lineup also includes 6-foot-1 Class of 2024 point guard Kobi Bowles.
A quick, shifty guard with flashy handle and dazzling finishing, Bowles has catapulted to the upper crust of the state’s best guards.
Other veterans return as well. On paper, Miller almost appears like a callow and unknown.
Is there a lot of pressure riding on a 14-year-old kid?
Not after Miller put together a wild, 40-point barrage en route to a victory over Mean Streets in Chicago this summer, hitting shots through draping coverage and gliding to the rim and finishing through contact.
A transformation was noticeable in Miller back when he was seven years old. He minimized all distractions in his life and made basketball and training a high priority.
A new chapter awaits this winter, as the younger guy could play an impactful role at the traditional power.
A high academic prospect, Miller boasts a 4.5 GPA, having stocked up on advanced prep classes.
