Rap Mogul Master P Aims for Elite Basketball Coaching Role at Arizona State
Percy Robert Miller, widely recognized as the Grammy-winning rapper Master P, is making a bold transition from the music industry to the world of elite college basketball coaching. At 55 years old, Miller currently serves as an assistant coach and president of basketball operations at the University of New Orleans, a Division I program. After helping the Privateers achieve a notable turnaround with 15 wins following a points-shaving scandal, he now believes he is ready to ascend to the top levels of the sport.
From Hip-Hop to Hardwood: A Unique Coaching Candidate
Miller's journey is far from conventional. He built No Limit Records into a hip-hop empire, leveraging hits like Bout It, Bout It and Make 'Em Say Uhh! to expand into various business ventures. However, his passion for basketball has been a constant thread throughout his career. Despite a serious knee injury that derailed his college basketball plans at Houston, Miller pursued an NBA career through minor leagues and preseason tryouts with teams such as Charlotte, Toronto, Denver, and Sacramento.
His basketball credentials were further solidified in the 2008 NBA All-Star celebrity game, where he scored 17 points against competitors like Common and Deion Sanders. Beyond his own playing experience, Miller has a deep coaching background. He coached AAU basketball, mentoring future NBA stars including DeMar DeRozan, Lance Stephenson, and Brandon Jennings. Additionally, he helped his son Romeo secure a scholarship at USC and has another son, Mercy, contributing as a guard for the University of Houston.
Arizona State's Coaching Vacancy and Miller's Ambitions
The Arizona State Sun Devils basketball program is at a crossroads after firing coach Bobby Hurley following three consecutive seasons without an NCAA tournament appearance. As athletics director Graham Rossini considers candidates, Miller has publicly expressed interest in the vacancy, though no official offer has been made. In interviews with TMZ and the Sporting News, Miller emphasized that "times are changing" and that programs are seeking coaches who "think outside the box."
Miller argues that his unique perspective could revitalize the Sun Devils. He points to his ability to connect with players from disadvantaged backgrounds, having experienced poverty and sudden wealth himself. Moreover, his marketing savvy and entrepreneurial spirit could enhance Arizona State's brand, particularly in the era of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, where fundraising is crucial. He has already demonstrated fiscal prudence at New Orleans, maximizing limited resources.
Potential Benefits and Risks of Hiring Master P
Hiring Miller would bring several advantages. He could energize a fanbase and attract attention to the program, similar to the impact of Coach Prime at the University of Colorado. His experience in managing teams and businesses suggests he could handle the administrative and promotional aspects of coaching effectively. Miller also notes that coaching is not just about wins and losses but about using the basketball team to increase student enrollment and school visibility.
However, there are risks. Miller lacks top-level coaching experience compared to traditional candidates, and precedents like Penny Hardaway at Memphis show that celebrity hires can yield inconsistent results. Yet, Miller's modest contract expectations and potential to draw from a pool of talented assistants could mitigate these concerns. If unsuccessful, Arizona State could pivot without significant long-term damage, given other athletic programs are showing positive trends.
Conclusion: A Gamble Worth Considering
In an evolving sports landscape, Master P represents a unconventional but intriguing option for Arizona State. With his blend of basketball knowledge, coaching experience, and star power, he offers a fresh approach that could transform the Sun Devils into a national phenomenon. As Rossini weighs his decision, the choice may come down to whether the program is ready to embrace innovation or stick with tradition. Miller's message is clear: he is "bout it bout it" and prepared to prove his worth on the biggest stage.
