From Loudoun to the League: Jordan Miller’s Rise to NBA Stardom

Catching Up with Loudoun Legend Jordan Miller

By Lia Hobel

Foundations Built on Kindness

Jordan Miller's journey from playing basketball in Loudoun youth leagues to securing a four-year, $8.3 million contract with the Los Angeles Clippers is more than just a story of perseverance and purpose—it's proof that belief and relentless hard work can carry you through even the toughest setbacks.

Miller credits his upbringing in Loudoun for his success today. He remembers being in third grade when his parents received a letter from Habitat for Humanity while they were living in an apartment in Leesburg. They decided to follow through and every weekend, they worked hard to help build their new home in Middleburg. At the time, Miller was upset to leave behind his friends, but the kindness he experienced at Banneker Elementary made the transition easier—and unforgettable.

“I had a science teacher named Miss Smith and she really helped me feel like I had already been there,” he says fondly. “To have a teacher introduce me and make me feel comfortable— I would say that was the start of my happiness in Loudoun County.” That feeling of being seen and supported only deepened thanks to the staff around him—PE teacher Mr. Moss, Ms. Gloria in the front office, and the school principal Ms. Lee, who all made a lasting impression. “Those people helped shape my experience. It’s been years, and we’re still connected,” Miller shares. “That’s the kind of love that makes Loudoun feel like home.”

A Love for the Game Takes Hold

From the fifth grade, Jordan Miller found more than just a team with Coach Williams and D1SA—he found a family. “Coach Williams saw my potential early and gave me the tools to succeed, both on and off the court,” Miller shares. “Through unwavering support, consistent guidance, and a strong family atmosphere, D1SA became the foundation of my basketball journey. The confidence I play with today was built years ago, rooted in the belief that Coach Williams and D1SA instilled in me from the very beginning. Even to this day, Coach Williams is still a mentor to me—always there with advice, encouragement, and that steady presence that’s meant so much over the years.”

That same kind of care and belief came from another important figure in his life: Jeri Pierre—known in his family as his “basketball mom.” More than just a supporter, she treated Jordan like one of her own, making sure he had everything he needed to thrive: shoes, uniforms, tournament entries, hotel stays. “She made sure I had the best of everything,” Jordan says. “We wouldn’t have made it without her. I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without her love and support.”

His love of basketball truly started when he made the Blue Ridge Middle School team. The encouragement and support he’d experienced early on helped fuel his confidence as he stepped onto the court for the first time. He also carries fond memories and a forever friendship with his coach, Coach CJ.

“First off, having the opportunity to play, I don't want to ever take that for granted,” Miller says about his past and present opportunities. But even from those early days, success didn’t come without hardship. Miller remembers trying out for the A team and feeling emotional, worried he wouldn’t make it. “My mom talked me through it,” he recalls. “But looking back, it pushed me to tap into another level of hard work and determination.” Years later, Coach CJ told him how proud he was of “sixth grade Jordan” to the Jordan he is today. “Just another full circle moment for me,” Miller reflects.

Miller’s high school career was marked by his exceptional performance, but his basketball journey wasn’t without setbacks. In fact, he wants all young athletes to understand the value in those moments. “I think it's always good to have setbacks,” he says, “because if we didn't have setbacks, then we wouldn't enjoy things when they happened.” One memory that stuck was during a regional playoff game his sophomore year. Although he had been playing well, when it came down to the wire, he missed a crucial free throw that could have tied the game. “Instead of letting that moment define me, I practiced free throws every day the following year,” he says. “I kept focusing on making them.” The next season, in another tight playoff game, he got the same opportunity — and made both shots to win the game. “I feel like I conquered something that was at the back of my mind.”

Reflecting on his time with the Loudoun Valley basketball program, Miller says the relationships he built were just as impactful as the games themselves. “Playing for Coach Dawson meant a lot to me, and I hold onto the friendships with all my teammates and coaches,” he says. “There are so many people I’ve stayed connected with. Again, that’s what makes Loudoun so special. When I come home, it’s actually hard to find time to see everyone—but that’s a great problem to have, and I’m really thankful for it.”

Coach Dawson, in particular, has remained one of Jordan’s biggest supporters. From Loudoun to Mason, Miami, and the NBA draft, he’s never stopped cheering him on. He even drove to Houston to watch Jordan play in the Final Four and continues to support his 1ndustryE1even camps and NBA career.

College and the Decision to Transfer

Following his high school basketball stardom, Miller went on to play college basketball first for George Mason University. “They were the first Division 1 school to offer me, and I’m just really big on who believes in me first,” he explains. His deep ties to Loudoun and the desire to stay close to home made George Mason an easy choice. But as he looked ahead, Miller realized that to reach the next step and continue growing in his journey, it meant making a change.

“I knew for me to get to my next step and the next part of my journey, it would mean leaving George Mason,” he says.

Miller says he never knew if playing in the NBA would be a reality, but it was always a goal. “The doubt was definitely stronger than the belief,” he says honestly. “Even though the dreams and the goals felt super far away, and they felt nearly impossible, it was something that I knew if I work hard as I can and do the things to be successful, I can give myself a shot to be there. To get there – and that meant sacrificing certain things.”

After two years at George Mason, Miller entered the NCAA transfer portal and chose to continue his career at the University of Miami playing for Coach Jim Larranaga. “It was an experience I never would have gotten otherwise—and I would’ve never known there was another world outside of Virginia.”

The experience at Miami followed a familiar pattern that had defined Miller’s career. “There’s been a common theme—get comfortable, start playing like I know I can play, and then the cycle starts again,” he says. “I’m learning to find comfort in being uncomfortable.”

Joining the Hurricanes meant starting from scratch—new coaches, new teammates, new systems. “My role was different, and I had to figure out how my puzzle piece fit into the bigger picture,” he says. “There were a lot of expectations I had for myself that I wasn’t meeting, and the stress was tough.”

A Historic Performance at Miami

Everything shifted in his fifth year—granted by the NCAA due to COVID eligibility—when Miami made a historic run to the Final Four. “It’s crazy how God works,” he reflects. “I really needed that extra year.”

In Miami's 88–81 win over Texas in the Elite Eight to secure the program’s first-ever Final Four berth, Miller delivered a performance for the history books—scoring 27 points without missing a single shot. By going 7-for-7 from the field and 13-for-13 from the free throw line, he became the first player to achieve that stat line since Christian Laettner in 1992. In fact, only he and Laettner have ever scored more than 25 points in an NCAA Tournament game without missing a shot.

That game turned heads—and opened doors. “Only 60 players get drafted, and that game really changed things for me,” Miller says. “It got me the attention of the scouts.”

NBA Draft and the Clippers

His performance earned him a direct invitation to the NBA Combine—bypassing the G League Combine and other qualifying events. “I went in ranked 65, and then you go through team visits—the most important interviews of your life—while trying to play the best basketball of your life.”

Even on draft night, Miller had no idea if he would be drafted or what was coming. The Clippers selected him 48th overall in 2023, signing him to a two-way contract. Just like before, he was pushed into a new level of discomfort, growth, and opportunity. Learning NBA systems, finding his role, and staying ready amid limited minutes became his next challenge. But once again, he embraced the grind. His strong work ethic and humility didn’t go unnoticed.

Embracing the NBA Experience

Reflecting on his first two years since being drafted, Miller shared, “It’s been a real learning curve. You hear people talk about the business side of it, but once you’re in it, you truly see it—the trades, the cuts, the constant fight for job security. Everyone, from the front office to the players, is just trying to take care of their families. That’s when you really start to understand how things work.”

That hard-earned perspective has shaped Miller’s approach as he navigates the early stages of his career. “There are the superstars, and then there are the role players. You’ve got to figure out where you fit and make the most of it. For me, that’s meant staying ready, doing whatever’s needed, and continuing to build that pro mentality.”

Though he admits there have been moments where he’s been starstruck, Miller’s focus remains on learning from the veterans around him and earning his place in the league. Coaches have consistently praised his maturity, coachability, and tireless work ethic.

Miller’s progress was rewarded with a four-year, $8.3 million contract with the Clippers—another milestone in a career that thrives on embracing the uncomfortable. Now, he steps into the next phase of the cycle—new expectations, new challenges, and another opportunity to grow.

Giving Back Through 1ndustryE1even (Industry 11)

Off the court, Jordan Miller remains just as committed—to giving back. His nonprofit, Industry 11, was created to help Loudoun kids who can’t afford to participate in sports. It’s a mission that hits close to home. Back in fourth grade, Miller wanted to play basketball but his family couldn’t afford the costs. With the right support, he was able to pursue his passion—and now he’s paying it forward so other kids can too.

This summer marks the second year of Industry 11 Basketball Camps in Loudoun, with sessions:
• June 23–27 at Loudoun Valley High School (Co-ed, 3rd–8th grade)
• August 4–8 & 11–15 at Harper Park Middle School (Boys & Girls, 3rd–8th grade)

Camps run from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. For registration or assistance, visit 1ndustrye1even11.com or follow @1ndustry_e1even on Instagram.

To help provide financial assistance for youth attending the camps, the Virginia Valley Vipers, a professional basketball team based in Purcellville, hosted the "Hometown Hero – Jordan Miller X Industry 11 Day" on April 27. 11% of ticket proceeds were generously donated to 1ndustryE1 to support this mission.

Advice for the Next Generation

Miller has some advice for young athletes in Loudoun: “Don’t worry about impressing others. Work to impress yourself. I think that's the important thing. If you're working to impress yourself, you're definitely going to impress other people.” He encourages athletes to focus on their own growth and not get caught up in trying to meet others' expectations.

Miller stresses that athletes should avoid complacency in order to continue improving: “You always try not to be complacent because you don’t ever want to stop growing.” His mindset is all about personal development, a philosophy that has kept him motivated and striving for excellence.

Sharing His Story

Miller also feels strongly about giving back through sharing his experiences. “I feel like I have so much more information that I can share,” he says. “I have these experiences, good and bad, that I want to pass on to kids who are interested in my same journey.” His perspective as someone who's been through the highs and lows of sports provides a unique and valuable lesson for the next generation of athletes.

Loudoun: The Heart of It All

This Los Angeles Clippers player may be playing with hoop stars but it’s Loudoun that makes his heartbeat. “I think Loudoun is a great place to grow up because there’s so much love,” Miller says. “It just feels like home. And everyone wants to feel at home.”

Miller shares his story with excitement—especially the moments and relationships that shaped him. “The relationships I’ve built from Loudoun—they’ve honestly lasted all the way through,” he says. “I’m so appreciative of the amount of support I’ve gotten back home throughout my journey. I feel blessed, and I look to continue building those relationships.”

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Jordan Miller Basketball Highlights

High School – Loudoun Valley
• VHSL 4A Player of the Year (2017) – Led team to a 30–1 record and state title
• All-Time Leading Scorer, Loudoun Valley High
• VHSL First Team All-State (2017, 2018)
• Capital Classic All-Star (2018)

College Career
George Mason
• Third Team All-Atlantic 10 (2021)

Miami
• Second Team All-ACC (2023)
• Elite Eight Performance:
– 27 points
– 7-for-7 FG
– 13-for-13 FT
• Career Records:
– Best FG%: 55.1% overall, 56.8% in ACC play
– Top 10 all-time in steals & FGs made

Pro Career
• Drafted 48th overall by the Clippers (2023)
• G League All-Rookie First Team (2024) – 20.9 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2.0 APG
• Summer League First Team (2024) – 25.4 PPG, 54.9% FG, 60% 3PT, 80.4% FT
• Signed 4-year, $8.3M contract with the Clippers (2025)