Nate Miles went to five high schools in a three-year period. So, it should not be a complete shock that the very talented and troubled forward would have trouble staying at one college too long. Unfortunately, the reasons he was expelled from UConn were not academic-related.
The good news for Miles is the criminal issues have mostly been resolved. There was, however, little chance of Miles being able to return to UConn this year, even if he appealed the expulsion.
Miles and his legal guardian decided the best option would be to start over. To that end, Miles has enrolled at one of the top junior college programs in the country, the College of Southern Idaho.
"I think it's unfortunate what happened," CSI head men's basketball coach Steve Gosar said. "The main thing is all the legal troubles have been dropped. I think it's a young man who wants a chance to keep working toward his education and play some basketball."
While Miles began practicing Wednesday, he won't be eligible to play until early February. According to NJCAA rules, Miles must sit out during a 16-week probationary period since he transferred 15 days after the fall semester began. That means the first time he could play for the Golden Eagles is the Feb. 6 home game against the College of Eastern Utah.
"Might be a nice shot in the arm as we go down the stretch run," said Gosar.
Miles called his recent experiences at UConn "really frustrating. I never got to tell my side of the story and living with that every day really bothers me."
The lean, 165-pound forward showed off his shooting touch during Wednesday's practice, but afterward said basketball is not his top priority at CSI.
"I just want to get my grades to where if there's a possibility to go back to Connecticut, it'll be all cool," he said.
Under the always convoluted NCAA rules, if Miles keeps his grades in good standing, he could be eligible to come back to UConn next fall (assuming UConn would let him). Otherwise, Miles would have to stay at CSI for another year and then be eligible to enroll at any Division 1 program. His other choice would be to declare for the NBA Draft after one year at CSI.
