Basketball royalty joins ALL THE SMOKE as Matt and Stak sit down with the incomparable Cheryl Miller for a conversation that our fans have been asking for for years.
In this must-watch episode, Miller takes us through her extraordinary journey that changed women’s basketball forever.
She breaks down the current explosion of the women’s game, offering perspective on superstars Caitlin Clark and JuJu Watkins from someone who revolutionized basketball decades before them.
Miller shares what it was like coaching these rising stars at the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game and gives her unvarnished take on the league’s newest competitor, Unrivaled.
The conversation goes deep into Miller family lore, with Cheryl revealing intimate stories about her relationship with brother Reggie Miller, including his reaction to her historic 105-point game.
Beyond personal stories, Miller delivers a basketball education, reminiscing on the pioneers who built women’s basketball and offering expert analysis on international talent revolutionizing both the NBA and WNBA.
She even settles the eternal debate, ranking Jordan, Kobe, and LeBron with the authority only a true basketball savant can provide.
Cheryl Miller, a trailblazer in women’s basketball, reflects on her groundbreaking career and the evolution of the sport.
As one of the most iconic figures in basketball history, Miller takes pride in the progress that female athletes have made, from the recognition of women’s sports to the increased opportunities available to them.
She expresses admiration for the current generation of players, such as Caitlin Clark and JuJu, whose talents and accomplishments continue to shape the game.
Miller highlights the importance of supporting young female athletes and fostering a sense of unity within the sports community.
She acknowledges that while the landscape has improved, challenges persist for women in sports, including the pressures to perform and the high expectations placed upon them.
These challenges are further compounded by the need for greater visibility and resources. Miller emphasizes that the growth of women’s basketball relies not only on the talent of individual athletes but also on the collective effort to support and amplify each other.
The conversation also touches on the role of emerging leagues, such as Unrivaled, in reshaping the opportunities available to women in sports.
Miller advocates for the creation of more avenues for women to thrive, both on and off the court. She reflects on her own journey, particularly the competitive relationship she shared with her brother, which helped sharpen her skills and resilience.
This personal connection to competition and growth is something Miller believes is essential to fostering a culture of excellence among female athletes.
As the conversation progresses, Miller draws attention to the ongoing need for unity among women in sports. She stresses that the key to advancing the sport lies in collaboration and mutual support.
By embracing the diverse talents and experiences of female athletes, the foundation for further growth and success can be built. Miller underscores that this spirit of unity is crucial, especially in competitive environments like the WNBA, where players can help each other rise to new heights.
Reflecting on the past, Miller also shares insights into the intense rivalries that defined her career, such as those between USC and UCLA.
These rivalries were not only about competition but also about the personal growth that came from facing adversity and pushing the limits.
She recalls how important practices and games were, as they helped her develop the skills and mindset needed to succeed in the competitive world of basketball.
Through her conversation, Cheryl Miller paints a picture of a changing landscape in women’s basketball, one that is filled with new opportunities and challenges.
She speaks with optimism about the future of the sport, highlighting the importance of continued progress and the need to ensure that the next generation of athletes has the support and resources they deserve.
Her reflections serve as a reminder of the strides women have made in sports, and the ongoing efforts required to break down barriers and build an even stronger future.