The RoundHouse | 12/6/2022 5:03:00 PM

Darin Miller took his academics as seriously as his basketball during his career at Wichita State from 1993-97.
 
On the court, he helped new coach Randy Smithson revive the program with a 14-13 record in 1996-97, the program's first winning season since 1989.
 
Off the court, he earned Academic All-District and NCAA Post-Grad Scholar honors, in addition to a spot on the athletic directors honor roll in all eight of his semesters. He claimed the team's Shelley Cox Academic Leadership Award all four seasons.
 
Miller, from Wellington, started 65 games as a Shocker. He averaged 9.5 points and 6.2 rebounds as a senior. The Shockers started that season with wins over SMU, Kansas State and Cleveland State and later won eight of nine games. Fans responded and the Shockers drew 9,449 fans, up from 5,528 the previous season.
 
Miller, a 6-foot-9 forward, did some of his best work in Missouri Valley Conference play, averaging 10.4 points and 6.4 rebounds in 18 games. He led the Shockers with 24 points in a win over Missouri State and contributed 20 points and 13 rebounds in a win over Southern Illinois.
 
Update us on your current location and life status:
I live in Andover with my wife and daughter.  My career has been with AT&T for 25 years doing various jobs.  Current position is area manager network services with AT&T Field Operations.  
 
What was your major at Wichita State?
Business administration

Why did you choose Wichita State?
Close to home.  I grew up in Wellington and was familiar with Wichita State basketball.  Wichita State also had a brand-new basketball coach at the time (Scott Thompson). Combine that with being close to my family is why I chose Wichita State. 
 
Besides the sport you played as a Shocker, what was your favorite sport
Women's volleyball

Who was your favorite professor at Wichita State?
Dr Martin Perline, who taught economics in the W. Frank Barton School of Business.  He was very involved as our faculty representative for athletics as well.  He provided sound advice and counsel.  
 
Which teammate helped your adjustment to college life?
John Smith.  John took me under his wing when I showed up as a freshman.  He also challenged me as a player on a daily basis. I had to guard John during most preseason scrimmages.  He made sure of that.  His goal was to make me a better player.  But John was very supportive of me as a freshman and made me feel like I belonged on the team. 
 
What are your favorite memories from college athletics?
My senior year we started the season well under new coach Randy Smithson. Playing in front of sold-out crowds that were excited again about Wichita State basketball was a unique experience.  

What advice would you give to a person starting their athletics career in college?
Be prepared to not have a lot of free time.  And keep caught up on class work.  Take one day at a time.  It's a commitment. 
 
What book you would recommend to current college students?
"Ego is the Enemy," by Ryan Holiday

Paul Suellentrop covers Wichita State Athletics and the American Athletic Conference for university Strategic Communications. "Catching up" is a regular feature highlighting former Shockers. Story suggestion? Contact him at paul.suellentrop@wichita.edu.