USA's Reggie Miller Talks
About USA Olymics in Indiana

Interview with the USA's Reggie Miller By FIBA

If there is one thing that Indiana Pacer guard Reggie Miller has never lacked it is confidence. However, the self styled "greatest shooter on the planet" may just have a claim to this title, as there is no question that during his career he has been known as one of the best clutch players ever and has the ability to finish teams off virtually single-handed. Despite being 37 years old, Miller remains a top class player and with the international three-point line closer to the basket than the NBA version, he will represent a very serious threat for all the USA's opponents. Reggie sat down with fiba.com and discussed the upcoming World Championship, basketball in Indiana and his elusive quest for an NBA championship.

Both you and your sister own world championship and Olympic gold medals. Will you earn family bragging rights if you take home gold in Indianapolis?
Miller: Maybe when we were younger, there would be some bragging rights, but now we both enjoy each other's accomplishments. I'm proud of Cheryl for whatever she does and she is very supportive of me. Indianapolis is often referred to as a real hotbed of basketball in the USA.

For those who are not familiar, can you explain what basketball means in this state?
Miller: People live and breathe basketball in this state. It seems everyone grows up with the sport and when you drive around, there are basketball hoops on garages, barns, in driveways. The high school tournament has been one of the best, if not the best, in the country. College basketball is big with Indiana, Purdue, Notre Dame, Butler, Indiana State, Ball State, Evansville, Valparaiso, all pretty good teams. And the Pacers are right there with high school and college basketball. It's a big, big deal at all levels, probably more so than any other place I've been.

You're now a veteran of international basketball. What will your role on the team during the World Championships be?
Miller: Since I will be one of the older players on the team, I will try to provide some leadership, both on the floor and in the locker room. On the floor, I think with zones and the shorter 3-point line, I'll be able to keep defenses honest. I still regard myself as the best shooter on the planet, so that's something I'll definitely add to the team. Have you spoken to teammate Jermaine O'Neal about the World Championships? Is he excited? Miller: We haven't talked much, but he is excited. He got a taste of international competition last year in Australia and I told him this will be a step above, a lot will be expected of us since it's here in the United States. I think he understands the challenge.

You've accomplished winning gold at the Olympics and World Championship, two tremendous honors, tell us about that and the important but elusive pursuit of the NBA title during your career?
Miller: Winning gold medals is something special. You are first and foremost, representing your country. Then you are representing your sport and the NBA is considered the best of the sport, so you want to uphold that reputation. There is pressure there, but it's good pressure and when you do win the gold, it's a very special feeling. Of course, I want an NBA title, every player does. That's my ultimate pursuit right now. But if it doesn't happen, I'll feel very comfortable with myself that I gave all that I had to try to win. I didn't short-change myself, my team or my teammates in practices or games in trying to reach that goal. That's all any player can ask of himself. You're known as a three-point shooter and the international 3-pt line is closer to the basket than you're used to.

Will it be tempting for you to just camp behind it and shoot threes all the time?
Miller: If they leave me open, yes. I'm sure I will be defended for the three, but I've shown in my career that I can put it on the floor, shoot the floater or pass to a teammate. We have a great point guard in Jason Kidd, who I think is going to create a lot of open shots. He'll draw defenses to him and I'm sure I'll spot up for threes.

Having been involved with USA Basketball before, is it difficult to come together with a group of guys you may never have played with before in such a short period of time?
Miller: It is always a challenge to bring together guys who haven't played together. Most everyone is used to being the go-to guy on their team and now that becomes a shared responsibility. There's some rough spots in the early practices and exhibition games, but once guys spend time with one another, those rough spots get smoothed out. It takes a team working to be unselfish to help make it work and from what I've seen of our team, I think we've got a pretty good mix to make it work.

Is there any member of the USA team that you're particularly looking forward to playing with?
Miller: I think playing with Jason Kidd will be a special treat. He just controls a game and makes other players around him better. I look forward to getting together with Antonio Davis again. We were teammates on the Pacers before he went to Toronto and I've always enjoyed playing with him. I also think it will be fun to play with Ray Allen. We've had some good duels over the years and it will be great to have him on my side for a change.

Will you feel more pressure during the tournament because it will be played on home soil?
Miller: I think it raises expectations. People expect the U.S. to win and since it is here in Indianapolis, that adds to it. But while it may add some pressure, it can work to our advantage by having the home crowd. I remember in Atlanta at the Olympics, there was some extra adrenaline flowing because of the crowd being behind you.

Who do you think will be the biggest threat to the U.S. in Indianapolis?
Miller: I think any of the teams with NBA players will be very formidable opponents. I think a lot of people don't understand how far international basketball has come and as years have gone by, the rest of the world is catching up with the United States. Just look at all the international players in the NBA. This tournament will be very interesting and very competitive.