Lauryn Miller
Lauryn Miller is a versatile forward prospect who earned a spot on the USA Basketball U16 national team in 2015. *Photo by Chris Hansen.
It’s been a tough road for Lauryn Miller. She hit the pinnacle of youth basketball success in 2015, making the USA Basketball U16 team but an ACL tear that derailed her junior year temporarily diverted her path. After returning this summer after a successful rehab and competing with her Missouri Phenom EYBL team, her journey after high school is now clear.
Miller, the 6-foot-2 power forward from Kirkwood, Mo., committed to UCLA today. She chose the Bruins over finalists Missouri, Notre Dame, Ohio State and TCU. She made official visits to Notre Dame, TCU and UCLA, made an unofficial to in-state Mizzou but never made it to Columbus.
“UCLA offers me the best place to achieve everything I want for myself athletically but especially once I'm done with basketball,” Miller said.
Despite the dreaded ACL injury, Miller’s positive attitude showed her potential suitors a lot about her character and, in turn, a lot about the coaches in pursuit.
“The injury showed me I needed a school committed to me through whatever adversity I will face,” Miller said. “The (UCLA) staff never wavered in their faith in my ability to return, and I'll always be grateful for such.”
The Bruins now have three verbal pledges in the 2017 class with two remaining scholarships to offer if they use all 15 spots. Miller, who is ranked No. 15 in the class, joins No. 5 Alexis Morris, a 5-6 point guard from Beaumont, Texas, and No. 53 Kayla Owens, a 6-2 forward from Houston, Texas.
UCLA is in on No. 40 Taya Corosdale of Bothell, Wash., No. 60 Sidney Cooks of Kenosha, Wisc., and Australian standout Chantel Horvat.
Current 2017 UCLA Class
Chris Hansen is managing editor of ProspectsNation.com and serves on the McDonald’s All-American and Naismith Trophy selection committees. He was the national director of scouting for ESPN HoopGurlz from 2005 until 2012 and is the director of the Check Me Out Showcase. He can be reached at chris@prospectsnation.com.
