The New Orleans men’s basketball team announced today that it has named legendary New Orleans entertainer and music mogul Percy “Master P” Miller President of Basketball Operations.
“This is a tremendously exciting day for the future of New Orleans Privateers basketball,” said head men’s basketball coach Stacy Hollowell. “I am thrilled to add coach Percy Miller to our staff as President of Basketball Operations. Coach Miller cares deeply about his city, the University of New Orleans and Privateers basketball. We will benefit from his basketball knowledge and his relationships with people within the city and the game.”
In addition to being a serial entrepreneur, rapper, music producer, author, speaker and philanthropist, Miller is a former college basketball player who has coached basketball for the past two decades. His AAU team, “P. Miller’s Ballers,” won three national championships. During that time, he coached future NBA players Demar Derozan, Brandon Jennings, Lance Stephenson and Jalen Suggs. “As a kid growing up in New Orleans, I can honestly say that basketball changed and saved my life,” Miller said.
“At that time, UNO was one of the best programs in the country. It was all about Privateer Nation, and there was so much excitement on the Lakefront. As President of Basketball Operations, I am committed to bringing back that winning tradition to NOLA’s Team. But this is bigger than the game—it’s about educating and creating future leaders at the same time. I’m here to make sure that these young student-athletes have the opportunities, resources and mentorship to succeed on and off the court. UNO is our culture, our community, our city, our team and our family. It’s time to bring the love and passion back to New Orleans basketball.”
Miller began playing basketball through NORD before enrolling at Booker T. Washington High School and eventually graduating from Warren Easton High School. He played collegiately at both the University of Houston and Merritt College in Oakland, Calif, where he earned a degree in business. He played in the CBA with the Fort Wayne Fury, San Diego Stingrays and Las Vegas Rattlers. He also had stints in the NBA with the Charlotte Hornets and Toronto Raptors, and played on NBA Summer League teams with the Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings.
In spite of his enormous success in the music industry, Miller finds the greatest fulfillment in coaching the next generation of players and giving back to his community. His goal is to inspire young people and uplift their communities. As founder and chairman of the Team Hope Foundation, Miller is deeply committed to improving the lives of youth and the elderly through programs designed to enhance their quality of life.
Miller holds honorary doctorates from Lincoln University and Grambling State University. He has received the keys to the cities of Memphis, Los Angeles, Louisville, Charlotte, Jackson, Houston, Gulfport, Baton Rouge and New Orleans.
