Versatility is the Name of Miles’ Game

Ivan McDowell
Southeast/Mid-South Editor

Well traveled forwards’ multiple skills have majors eyeballin’

August 10, 2006 - Displaying the length, skills and athleticism reminiscent of Scottie Pippen, Texas (via Ohioh) forward Nate Miles, has many high majors’ attention. Nate currently attends Cornerstone Christian in San Antonio and played for Team Texas AAU during most of the summer.

Miles’ biggest attribute is his ability to play and defend multiple positions at any given time. Miles has the fluidity in his game to stroke the jumper, drive, draw and dish, as well as post up if necessary.

“I just try to find the mismatch on the floor and exploit it”, said Miles at this summers Nike Peach Jam. Miles averaged eight points and two rebounds during the event. He was overshadowed by fellow class of 2008 member Willie Warren, who finished fifth in the camp in scoring, averaging 21 points per game.

Miles road to stardom has been a long and somewhat arduous one, but the 6’7 junior is headed in the right direction, after some minor detours.

Nate, originally from Toledo, Ohio, transferred from the Buckeye state to San Antonio, Texas after his sophomore season to continue his athletic and academic career. Cornerstone is Miles’ third school since the beginning of his sophomore year.

“My grades are better now. I started off slow, but I made A’s and B’s last year, so I’m on the right track”, elaborated Miles, who averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 boards and 2.9 assists at Toledo’s Libbey High.

Miles also committed early to Xavier University, but has since re-opened his recruitment, listing Georgetown, Baylor, Texas, Oklahoma State, Xavier and Connecticut. During the recently completed AAU Nationals, Nate competed for All-Ohio Red and performed well, posting double-digit performances.

“The recruiting process is something we have put on the back burner for now”. Nate’s academic improvement is our main concern’.

“Really, basketball has never been the issue with Nate; it’s been his focus and the choices he has made. Now, he is more focused and goal oriented and has put a lot of the little things that got him in trouble in the past behind him”.

Basketball-wise Miles needs to improve his defense and intensity to truly become an elite player. Scoring comes easy to Miles, as he looks fluid on the offensive end of the floor and can fill it up in bunches.

“Scoring has never been a question with Nate”, stated John Patterson, Miles’ former coach and legal guardian.

A friendly and gracious young man, Miles has been reclassified to the Class of 2008, which will undoubtedly help both his athletic and academic progress. A move to San Antonio seems to have helped Nate concentrate as Coach Patterson alluded to.

“The coaches down there have really motivated me to work harder in the classroom and on the court”, said Miles. It will make Nate a more complete person”.

On and off the court, Miles has the aptitude and attitude to succeed and I-95 Ballerz.com will certainly keep up with this talented young man and his progress.