Tracy Wolfson provides insight on Brandon Miller struggles, goes beyond injury

The No. 1 seed Alabama Crimson Tide are one of the favorites for many people across the country to win the 2023 NCAA Tournament. They’re currently facing off against the No. 8 seed Maryland Terrapins on Saturday night. Unfortunately, the Tide have not only had to deal with the controversy surrounding their superstar Brandon Miller playing in the tournament, but he’s been dealing with a groin injury, too. Even though he was playing on Saturday night, Crimson Tide head coach Nate Oats said he was not 100 percent. Tracy Wolfson provided an in-depth look at all the different things behind the scenes that Miller has had to deal with.

“As you guys mentioned, Brandon Miller dealing with that groin injury, but Nate Oats was really honest with us yesterday when he said that’s not the only thing that was holding him back on Thursday,” said Wolfson. “All the media attention, the accusations, the threats that he’s received. He told us Brandon is receiving counseling and he has an armed security with him at all times, but it is definitely affecting him on and off the court.”

“You almost can’t see how it wouldn’t,” responded Jim Nantz.

Miller was held scoreless in the Crimson Tide’s opening round matchup against the Texas A&M Corpus Christi Islanders. Not only is Miller the best individual player in the 2023 NCAA Tournament, but he’s expected to be a top five overall selection in the 2023 NBA Draft. He’s electrifying when on the court and healthy, averaging 19.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.

In the second half against Maryland, Miller blocked a shot at one end and at the other end, drained a three-pointer. When healthy, he’s one of the most unstoppable players in all of college basketball.

Nate Oats updates Brandon Miller’s injury status against Maryland

Miller exited Saturday’s second-round matchup against Maryland with a limp early, scoring just two points off of free throws up until that point of the game. Tracy Wolfson caught up with Alabama head coach Nate Oats for a brief interview during a timeout to update everyone on his status.

“He’s not 100 percent but he’s going to play and we need him to play,” said Oats. “So I think he’ll get it going here. When he gets it loose, we’ll get him back in right here and see if we can’t get him going.”

On3’s James Fletcher III and Austin Brezina also contributed to this article.