To master just one skill requires rigorous, long-term dedication. Shooting the basketball is one thing that Reggie Miller has mastered. An argument can be made that Miller, a five-time NBA All-Star who played 18 seasons for the Indiana Pacers, is the second greatest shooter of all time, behind only Steph Curry.
Since retiring from the league in 2005, Miller has worked as a college basketball analyst for CBS Sports and an NBA commentator for TNT. Despite thriving in those arenas, for Miller, he feels he can get even more out of his abilities.
It should come as no surprise that someone as competitive as him is constantly looking for ways to push himself. Among his hobbies today are participating in various cycling events. The basketball legend’s coach is Sonya Looney, a pro ultra endurance mountain biker.
“I’m not just a biker. I trail run. I have no problem with heights. I’m a thrill seeker,” he said. “Mountain biking is such a small community. I just want to put the work in, so people don’t think that I’m a slacker. You don’t have to be the biggest to be a great mountain biker. You just got to have a big heart.”
The USA Cycling Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships recently took place in Roanoke. The week-long gathering attracted cyclists from all over the country like Miller. In addition to Carvins Cove, races also took place at Elmwood Park and Explore Park.
When all was said and done, Miller finished ninth in his age group.
“I love the diversity that I’m saw – women, kids, men, Black, white, brown. We’re all cyclists. We all pedal on two wheels, and we all enjoy this,” he said. “I plan on keep peddling until my legs tell me they can’t go anymore. It doesn’t matter hold old you are, cycling is more mental than physical.”
He added,” Competing against other athletes was my main objective. I didn’t want to come in last. This was, by far, one of the toughest races I’ve ever been a part of.”
Amanda Jackson still can’t believe she got a chance to meet Miller and ask a few questions. “When he told me that he previously served on the USA Cycling Board of Directors, it made perfect sense. Reggie isn’t just an occasional rider; he is fully invested. He could not have been a nicer person,” he said.
In 2012, Miller was enshrined in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
What’s next for the UCLA alum? As he explained, “I love using my platform to raise money for charity and inform people about what options are available to them. It will take some time, but I feel it is something I can one day master.”
