Brandon Miller was slammed by South Carolina fans on Wednesday night, but still managed to score 41 points and hand Alabama the win.
Constant boos and chants of "lock him up" drowned out all the noise at Colonial Life Arena, of the back of a court hearing that took place on Tuesday. Tuscaloosa detective Branden Culpepper testified that Miller allegedly brought Darius Miles - his former teammate - a gun that was used in the fatal shooting of Jamea Jonae Harris on January 15 - according to local media.
Culpepper's testimony came during a two-and-a-half-hour preliminary hearing in front of Tuscaloosa County District Judge Joanne Jannik for Miles and Michael Lynn Davis, who have been charged with capital murder. Miller wasn't charged with any felony. Tuscaloosa chief deputy D.A. Paula Whitley said: "There’s nothing we could charge him with."
And after the court hearing, fans let their feelings known on Wednesday night as the Alabama star returned to the court. Alabama edged the contest 78-76 after overtime, with Miller scoring 41 of their points.
Every time he touched the ball, fans were on his back throughout the entirety of the game. Alabama head coach Nate Oats was extremely complimentary of his star player, for showing mental strength.
"He’s one of the most mentally-tough kids I’ve ever coached," Oats said after the game. "I’m not surprised. Forty-one points, you don’t wanna say you expect that but not surprised he came ready to play and played well tonight."
It has been confirmed that Miller is not in any trouble, and the Alabama star is still in line to be a lottery pick in the 2023 NBA draft. Oats recently spoke out about Miller's situation..
"We knew about that," Oats said recently. "Can’t control everything anybody does outside of practice. Nobody knew that was going to happen.
"College kids are out, Brandon hasn’t been in any type of trouble nor is he in any type of trouble in this case. Wrong spot at the wrong time."
Oats did send a message to Harris' family at this difficult time, after 23-year-old Jamea tragically lost her life. "My prayers continue to go out to Jamea Harris’ family," Oats concluded before Wednesday's clash.
