March 7, 2008

After one conversation with Army sophomore Josh Miller, it would be easy to label him a "mama's boy" as he invokes her teachings to illustrate his points. Black Knights' opponents have been learning that sometimes it is indeed mother who knows best.

"I have a great foundation in my mother," Miller said. "She instilled my core values of right and wrong. At an early age I learned that if you touch fire, you're going to get burned. You can make a mistake once, but you have to learn from it and continue to grow and progress. That's the key to anything in life."

Miller has taken those lessons on to the floor this season. Used as a reserve in 16 of Army's 31 games as a freshman, Miller has been a fixture in the Black Knights' rotation this season and has ranked among the League leaders in assists and steals for most of the campaign. His ability to fight through adversity and come out a better person and player has not been lost on Army Head Coach Jim Crews.

"I've never been around a guy who wants to make something positive out of his life more than Josh," Crews explained. "Josh has been knocked down a lot of times, but he keeps getting back up. He's been a good leader for us. He has a great thirst to learn how to better himself."

Not many would have predicted his success this season after watching him during his rookie campaign. In fact, even his mother, Paula, is still coming to grips with his new role as Army's floor leader.

"I'll call my mom after a game and the first thing she'll ask is, `Did you play?'" Miller says with a smile. "I have to keep telling her that I'm starting now. It just goes to show that you can never take anything for granted."

His increased role is a result of becoming more acclimated to the demands of being a cadet at West Point. While he has described his adjustment to Academy life as "arduous" at times, his progression is quite noticeable to those who know him best.

"Last year, getting accustomed to West Point, college life, being away from home and his academic load, Josh was in and out from a basketball standpoint," Crews said. "He's really grown. He's solidified his foundation after his first year so now everything else can go upward.'

For the Hammond, Ind., native it's not just about being a successful basketball player, but also a successful person. It's no surprise who instilled that attitude.

"My mother always told me that some day the ball will stop rolling, and you have to be prepared for that day," Miller said. "That's why I chose to come to West Point. I want to take advantage of a place like this that instills values and morals in someone and helps them become a great person and a great leader."