Antioch sleeper gives verbal

Antioch (Calif.) is not necessarily known as a hotbed for college basketball prospects. But Eddie Miller is doing his best at changing that perception. Coming off a solid junior campaign, the 6-foot-4 Miller has enjoyed the exposure of summer club basketball with his Lakeshow teammates and accepted an offer to attend college not that far from home.

Miller has verbally agreed to sign a letter-of-intent in November with Coach Gary Stewart and the UC Davis Aggies, thus backing up his desire to attend a college known for its academic excellence. For

those fans who bemoan the emphasis of coverage on players who struggle in the classroom, Miller sports a 3.9 grade point average.

As for his game, here is how he describes it: "I can shoot from 3-point range, rebound well, play above the rim, guard bigger opponents and I love to take the key shot at the end of the game."

Antioch head coach Drew Torres, who has turned the school's boys basketball program around in three short years, concurs: "[Eddie] wants the ball at the end of the game and he has hit numerous game-winning shots for us."

Torres expects Miller to contribute right away at Davis, which becomes a full-fledged member of the Big West Conference in 2007-08. "[Miller] is getting better and better each year, adding things to his game," said Torres.

According to Torres, Miller's rebounding prowess and defensive play improved immensely during his junior season. In fact, Torres expects his star player to enjoy a breakout senior year after averaging a double-double during the regular season and playoffs in 2005-06.

Asked about his expectations for his freshman season at Davis, Miller humbly replied: "I'll do what I can."

He expects to play the shooting guard position or the wing in college and Torres agrees.

Miller wants to add greater strength and weight in order meet the challenges of college ball. Torres sees containing super quick and strong opponents on the perimeter as an area for Miller to upgrade.

The tenacious, hyper-kinetic style of play of former Stanford star Mark Madsen, who was with the Los Angeles Lakers for three seasons and is currently with the Minnesota Timberwolves, is one that Miller tries to emulate. "Madsen displays a toughness that I appreciate," said Miller.

Antioch went 21-7 last season in the tough Bay Valley Athletic League that features perennial power De La Salle (DLS). With DLS having suffered losses due to graduation, will it be Antioch's year?

Affirmative, if Eddie Miller has anything to do with it.