When people think of Reggie Miller, they usually picture the skinny guy in the Indiana Pacers jersey, breaking the hearts of New York Knicks fans with a barrage of eight points in nine seconds. It’s a classic NBA image. But before he was the "Knick Killer," Reggie was a skinny kid trying to make a name for himself in the shadow of his sister, Cheryl Miller. So, where did Reggie Miller go to college? He stayed in Southern California and attended UCLA.
Honestly, it’s kinda wild to think about now, but UCLA wasn't exactly banging down his door at first. He wasn't the "chosen one" like some recruits. He actually ended up at the University of California, Los Angeles almost by default. The Bruins only offered him a scholarship after a few other top-tier recruits turned them down. Reggie has even joked about being the fourth or fifth choice.
Imagine being one of the greatest shooters in the history of the sport and starting out as a "backup plan." That chip on his shoulder? It started right there in Westwood.
The UCLA Years: From Afterthought to All-American
Reggie played for the Bruins from 1983 to 1987. If you look at the stats, his progression was basically a vertical line.
Freshman year was quiet. He averaged just 4.6 points. But then, things got interesting. By his sophomore year, he was leading UCLA to an NIT Championship in 1985 and was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player. By the time he was a junior, he was a flat-out scoring machine, averaging 25.9 points per game.
The Day He Broke Pauley Pavilion
One of the most legendary stories from his time at UCLA happened on February 28, 1987. UCLA was playing the defending national champions, Louisville. Reggie was possessed. He dropped 33 points in the second half alone.
Think about that for a second. In 20 minutes of college basketball, he scored 33. That remains a record at Pauley Pavilion. He finished that game with 42 points, basically telling the world that he was ready for the next level.
What Most People Get Wrong About Reggie’s College Career
A lot of younger fans assume Reggie was always a three-point specialist. But here’s a fun fact: the three-point line wasn't even introduced to college basketball until his senior year (1986-87).
- He scored the vast majority of his 2,095 career points without a three-point line.
- He finished his career as the second-leading scorer in UCLA history.
- The only person ahead of him? Some guy named Lew Alcindor (better known as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar).
It’s sorta mind-blowing. If Reggie had played with a three-point line for all four years, he probably would have smashed Kareem's record. Instead, he had to earn those points the hard way, using a mid-range game and a relentless ability to get to the free-throw line. He shot 83.6% from the stripe over his four years.
Life Off the Court at UCLA
Reggie wasn't just a gym rat. He actually focused on his books, too. He graduated from UCLA with a degree in history.
It’s a detail that often gets lost in the highlight reels, but it speaks to the kind of guy he is. He stayed all four years. In an era where players were starting to leave early for the NBA, Reggie stuck it out, got his degree, and led the Bruins to a Pac-10 regular-season title and the first-ever Pac-10 Tournament championship in 1987.
The Draft Day Boos
When Reggie left UCLA, he was the 11th overall pick in the 1987 NBA Draft. But get this: Pacers fans actually booed the pick. They wanted Steve Alford, the local hero from Indiana University.
They didn't want the skinny kid from UCLA. They thought he was too frail. They thought he was "West Coast soft." Reggie took that rejection and turned it into an 18-year Hall of Fame career, all with the same team.
Why the UCLA Connection Still Matters
UCLA eventually recognized the greatness they had. They retired his No. 31 jersey in 2013. He’s also in the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame.
When you look back at where Reggie Miller went to college, it wasn't just about the points or the wins. It was the place where he developed that specific brand of "Miller Time" confidence. He learned how to be the villain. He learned how to perform when the lights were brightest in Los Angeles.
Next Steps to Explore Reggie Miller's Legacy:
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If you're a fan of college basketball history, your next move should be looking into the 1985 NIT Championship run. It was the first major post-Wooden era success for UCLA and the moment Reggie Miller officially arrived on the national stage. You might also want to check out the archives of the 1987 Pac-10 Tournament, where Reggie's MVP performance cemented his status as a Bruins legend before he ever stepped foot in Indiana.