Cairns welcomes Patrick Miller

The CQUniversity Cairns Taipans are set to welcome American import Patrick Miller to the team, with the experienced 6’1” point guard signing a one-year deal in Far North Queensland. The proven playmaker has played in a number of top-tier leagues around the world but will make his NBL debut in the upcoming 2023-24 season. 
 
Miller joins the Taipans after playing with Brose Bamberg (the same team as former Taipan Shannon Scott) in Germany’s premier league, averaging 17.7 points, 3.1 rebounds and 6.2 assists a game.  
 
Before Germany, Miller made his way across the continent playing in France, Turkey, Serbia, Lithuania and Israel, where he won the 2021 FIBA Europe Cup Championship with Ironi Nes-Ziona.
 
Taipans Head Coach Adam Forde is expecting Miller’s veteran leadership on his young team to be significant, particularly down the stretch. 
 
“Pat is a game changer for us – he’s a closer that lives for the big moments. 
 
“He has played for years in the European circuit and their high-level leagues. He brings a wealth of experience especially in high pressure situations and clutch moments, which we will rely on throughout our season,” he said.
 
The Chicago native played for the Tigers while attending Tennessee State, leading the Ohio Valley Conference with 5.8 assists per game in the 2012-13 season. As a senior, he ranked fifth in NCAA’s Division I scorers with 23.7 points per game.  
 
He went on to sign his professional contract in Turkey in 2014, but the 2015 NBA G-League Draft saw him return to the States. Miller was acquired by the Oklahoma City Blue before being traded to the Texas Legends on draft night. 
 
Miller joined the Sioux Fall Skyforce for the next G-League season, before returning to Europe where he went on to form most of his professional career, in addition to stints in China and the Dominican Republic. 
 
The 31-year-old now adds Australia to his extensive basketball résumé and will be bringing his partner Morgen and three children to Cairns. 
 
“Pat doesn’t just influence the game on the offensive end with his ability to score and make plays, but he is also an elite defender. I could talk at lengths about his game and how he’ll impact our team, but he’s done so much in his career already it’s no secret,” added Forde. 
 
“I love that he’s bringing his family out too. Cairns is the best environment to bring your young family and I know the community will embrace the Miller’s with open arms.”