Rap Icon Master P Sets Sights on Elite Basketball Coaching Career
Percy Robert Miller, widely known as Master P, the Grammy-winning rapper and entrepreneur, is making a bold transition from the music industry to the competitive world of 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, where he has already contributed to a notable turnaround for the Privateers, helping them achieve 15 wins in a season following a points-shaving scandal.
From Hip-Hop to Hardwood: Miller's Unconventional Path
Miller's journey into basketball is far from traditional. Between building his rap empire with No Limit Records, he pursued an NBA career, participating in preseason tryouts with teams like the Charlotte Hornets and Toronto Raptors. His basketball skills were showcased in the 2008 NBA All-Star celebrity game, where he scored 17 points against other celebrities. Miller's coaching credentials extend beyond his own playing experience; he coached top prospects like DeMar DeRozan in AAU programs, with DeRozan, Lance Stephenson, and Brandon Jennings all achieving NBA stardom.
Miller has expressed interest in the Arizona State head coaching vacancy, following the firing of Bobby Hurley. In interviews with TMZ and the Sporting News, he emphasized that "times are changing" and that programs are seeking coaches who "think outside the box." His entrepreneurial background, including successful ventures in film, travel, and telecommunications, positions him as a potential game-changer in college sports, particularly in the era of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals.
Potential Impact and Challenges at Arizona State
If hired, Miller would bring more than just coaching expertise to Arizona State. His experience growing up poor and Black, managing sudden wealth, and leading a family business could resonate with players and fans alike. As a master marketer, he could enhance the university's brand, potentially attracting more students and revenue, similar to the impact of Coach Prime at the University of Colorado.
However, challenges remain. Miller lacks top-level coaching experience, and comparisons to other former players turned coaches, like Penny Hardaway at Memphis, show mixed results. Yet, his modest contract expectations and ability to assemble a skilled staff could mitigate risks. Miller's focus is not solely on wins and losses; he aims to use basketball to boost enrollment and school spirit, stating, "If I use the basketball team to help get more students into the school, then that's when I feel like we'd have made it."
With his unique blend of swag, energy, and business acumen, Master P represents a high-risk, high-reward opportunity for Arizona State, challenging traditional norms in college athletics.
