Emmy award-winning sports broadcaster Dave Miller will be the fall 2024 convocation keynote speaker for the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Miller will address Cronkite graduates at Cronkite Convocation Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m., at Desert Financial Arena.
Miller has worked as a college basketball analyst for ESPN, ESPN 3, FOX Sports and FS1. He has also coached every level of basketball, from youth camps to the NBA. He is considered one of the all-time best recruiters in NCAA basketball.
“It is an honor to be able to join the list of distinguished speakers who have shared their wisdom with one of the top journalism schools in the country,” said Miller, whose daughter, Samantha, graduated from the Cronkite School in May 2024. “As a proud father of a Cronkite graduate, I have seen firsthand what this school preaches and teaches the next generation of elite journalists and leaders. I hope to inspire these soon-to-be graduates as they embark on their next chapter of life.”
The story of Miller’s own career is one of many chapters. He coached college basketball in the NCAA for 17 years, including stints at ASU, the University of Southern California, the University of Texas, the U.S. Military Academy West Point, Utah State and Eastern Kentucky University, where he earned a master’s degree in sports administration.
Miller’s coaching career then took him to the NBA as an assistant coach for the New Orleans Hornets, where he played a key role in a 20-game improvement over their win total from the previous season.
Finally, Miller transitioned into television and radio broadcasting, with positions ranging from color analyst to host and reporter for the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Sparks. With his infectious personality and knowledge, he became an NBA Insider on “SportsCenter”, “Mike and Mike in the Morning” and “SportsNation.”
Throughout these chapters, Miller’s career has been defined by his perseverance, work ethic, drive and pursuit of excellence, telling young players that his goals are always higher than 10 feet.
Cronkite School Dean Battinto Batts Jr. said Miller will deliver a unique message.
“Dave Miller has had a distinguished career as a broadcaster and coach in professional and college sports,” Batts said. “Dave’s address will certainly draw from the many experiences from his own career, but he will also deliver observations from watching his daughter develop as a Cronkite student and go on to become a sports journalist.”
