Former Real prospect Baba Miller gets in trouble with NCAA rules / News - Basketnews.com

Baba Miller will have to sit out 16 regular-season matches in NCAA due to the benefits received.

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Florida State announced on Friday that the NCAA has denied an appeal by the school and will suspend freshman forward Baba Miller for 50 percent of the regular-season games (16 matches) in the 2022-23 season.

Baba Miller

Position:PFAge:18Height:206 cmBirth place:Mallorca, SpainProfileNewsStatistics

Miller received travel from his native Spain to the United States to a camp prior to his recruitment to FSU. Upon learning of relevant NCAA rules, Miller and his family immediately repaid the benefits received.

"I am very disappointed with the committee's decision based on the facts presented," Vice President and Director of Athletics Michael Alford said. "The decision seems disproportionate and inconsistent in today's modern environment. It's unfortunate that Baba will have to endure this penalty."

Miller is set to practice with the team in preparation for his Seminole debut on January 11, 2023, at Wake Forest.

The 18-year-old, 2.08-meter forward was considered one of the top international prospects committing to the college route in the class of 2022. He picked Florida State over Gonzaga.

Prior to college, Miller was representing Spanish powerhouse Real Madridsince he was 12 years old. He won the prestigious Adidas Next Generation Tournament with the squad.

"Europe is a place to compete, not to develop. In the United States if you don't play you're going to develop in practice and individual sessions. That's something you don't usually do in Europe. It wasn't a very difficult decision for me," the Spanish talent argued his decision to go to the United States.

Miller spent most of last season with Real Madrid's B team in the EBA league, posting 11.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in 24 minutes per game.

He was surprisingly called up to the senior team in December and even made his EuroLeague debut as a 17-year-old in a game against CSKA Moscow due to a COVID-19 outbreak.

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