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Standing at 6'2 (1.87m), Cheryl Miller is considered the greatest female basketball player of her era. Miller played at the University of Southern California, where she was a three-time Naismith College Player of the Year and a four-time All-American. She led the Lady Trojans to two NCAA titles in 1983 and 1984 and was the first basketball player, male or female, to be named a Parade All-American for four consecutive years. Miller's career was cut short by knee injuries, but she went on to become a successful coach and broadcaster, serving as head coach and general manager of the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA from 1997 to 2000.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cheryl Miller |
| Nickname | N/A |
| Date of Birth | January 3, 1964 |
| Height | 6-2/1.87m |
| Weight | 170lbs/75.2kg |
| Schools | Riverside Polytechnic High School, University of Southern California |
| Teams | US National Team, USC |
| Career Points | 3,018 |
| Rebounds | 1,534 |
| Field Goals Made | 1,159 |
| Free Throws Made | 700 |
| Steals | 462 |
| Coaching Experience | Assistant coach and head coach at USC, Head Coach and General Manager of the Phoenix Mercury |
| Broadcasting Experience | NBA studio analyst for TNT and other national networks |
| Awards and Honours | Inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall-of-Fame in 1995, three-time Naismith College Player of the Year, four-time All-American, two-time NCAA champion, jersey retired by USC, member of the FIBA Hall of Fame and Women's Basketball Hall of Fame |
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What You'll Learn
Cheryl Miller's height in feet and inches
Standing at 6 feet 2 inches (1.87 metres), Cheryl Miller is one of the tallest female basketball players in history. Her height, combined with her dominating skills and athleticism, made her a formidable player. Miller began her career at Riverside Polytechnic High School, where she averaged an impressive 32.8 points and 15 rebounds throughout her four years. She also set a single-game record of 105 points in a 1982 game, becoming the first woman to dunk a basketball.
Miller's talent and height gave her a significant advantage on the court, allowing her to guide Poly High to 132 wins and only four losses during her time there. Her performance earned her the title of Parade All-American for four consecutive years, making her the first basketball player, male or female, to achieve this honour.
At the collegiate level, Miller played for the University of Southern California from 1982 to 1986. Her superior height and athletic ability helped bring women's basketball into the spotlight. During her time at USC, Miller led her team to two NCAA Championships (1983 and 1984) and established several records, including points (3,018), rebounds (1,534), and steals (462).
Miller's height and skills also translated to success on the international stage. She led the United States women's basketball team to multiple gold medals, including at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, the 1983 Pan American Games, and the 1986 Goodwill Games. Her impressive height, combined with her talent and dedication to the sport, solidified her legacy as one of the greatest female basketball players of all time.
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Miller's height in metres
Miller's height is 1.87 metres or 6 feet 2 inches. She played for Riverside (CA) Polytechnic High School, where she set the single-game record of 105 points in a 1982 game against Norte Vista High School. Miller's talent and athleticism led Poly High to 132 wins and only 4 losses during her four-year career. She then went on to play collegiate basketball at the University of Southern California from 1982 to 1986, where she helped bring women's basketball into the spotlight in American sports.
Miller's height of 1.87 metres, combined with her exceptional skills and athleticism, made her a dominant force on the court. She was named the best male or female player in college basketball by Sports Illustrated in 1986 and scored an impressive 3,018 career points. Her success continued at the international level, where she led the United States to gold medals in the 1984 Olympic Games, the 1983 Pan American Games, and the 1986 Goodwill Games.
Miller's height and reach gave her a significant advantage in rebounding and shot-blocking. She established several USC records, including rebounds (1,534, 12.0 rpg) and steals (462). Her height also allowed her to excel in shot-blocking, although specific statistics are not readily available. Miller's height, combined with her talent and work ethic, made her a formidable opponent and a true pioneer in women's basketball.
Miller's height of 1.87 metres is also worth noting as it is relatively uncommon for female basketball players. Her height, combined with her skill set, made her a unique and challenging opponent for other players. Miller's success and impact on the sport have paved the way for future generations of female basketball players and have helped elevate women's basketball to new heights.
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Her career and achievements
Standing at 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m), Cheryl Deann Miller is regarded as the greatest women's basketball player of all time. Miller played the forward position for the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans. She is credited with popularizing women's basketball and elevating it to a higher level.
During her time at USC, Miller was a four-time All-American and led the Trojans to a 112-20 record. She also helped them win back-to-back NCAA championships in 1983 and 1984, and was named NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player (MOP) both years. In her senior season, Miller was named Naismith College Player of the Year for the third time and earned the Wade Trophy (Player of the Year). She also led the Olympic team to gold in 1984, scoring better than 16 points per game. Miller still holds numerous Trojan career records, including points (3,018), rebounds (1,534), and steals (462). In 1986, Miller was nominated for the James E. Sullivan Award, and USC retired her #31 jersey—the first time a basketball player's jersey had been retired at USC, regardless of gender.
After her playing career, Miller became the head coach at her alma mater, USC, in 1993. She also served as a basketball analyst and commentator for various networks, including ABC, ESPN, and TBS. In 1996, she became the first female analyst to call a nationally televised NBA game. In 1997, Miller became the head coach and general manager of the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, leading them to the WNBA Finals in 1998. She was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1995, the inaugural class of the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999, and the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2010. Miller is also a part-owner of the UPSHOT League, a new women's professional basketball league in the United States.
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Her post-playing career
After her playing career was cut short by knee injuries, Cheryl Miller went on to have a successful career as a basketball coach and broadcaster. She served as an assistant coach at the University of Southern California (USC) before becoming the head coach from 1993 to 1995. In 1997, she was named head coach and general manager of the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, leading the team to a 16–12 record and the WNBA Finals in 1998. She resigned after the 2000 season, citing fatigue from the role.
Miller has also had a notable career in broadcasting. She joined Turner Sports/TNT in September 1995 as a sideline reporter and analyst for NBA games. She has since worked for various networks, including ABC Sports, TBS Sports, ESPN, and NBA TV, providing insights and analysis as a respected basketball commentator.
In addition to her coaching and broadcasting roles, Miller has been recognised for her contributions to the sport through multiple Hall of Fame inductions. In 1995, she was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, becoming the first female basketball player to receive this honour. She was also inducted into the inaugural class of the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1999, and the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2010, solidifying her legacy in the world of basketball.
Miller has continued to be involved in basketball through other avenues. In 2014, she was named the women's basketball coach at Langston University, and in 2016, she took on the same role at California State Los Angeles. She is also a part-owner of the UPSHOT League, a new professional women's basketball league in the United States, which is set to debut in May 2026. Miller's post-playing career has been characterised by her dedication to promoting and developing the sport, ensuring that her impact on women's basketball extends far beyond her playing days.
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Family members who were also athletes
Cheryl Miller, the legendary basketball player, stood at a towering height of 6 feet (1.83 m) during her career, a height that undoubtedly contributed to her dominance on the court. But height wasn't the only advantage Miller had; she also came from a family of athletes, with sporting prowess seemingly running through their veins.
Cheryl's older brother, Reggie Miller, followed in similar footsteps and became an iconic basketball player in his own right. Reggie, who is two years older, played in the NBA for 18 seasons, spending his entire career with the Indiana Pacers. He established himself as one of the league's greatest shooters, known for his precision three-pointers and clutch scoring abilities. Reggie's height of 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m) gave him an edge as a shooting guard, and he was renowned for his quick releases and accurate shots. He was a five-time NBA All-Star, inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and had his number 31 jersey retired by the Pacers.
Another brother, Darrell Miller, also pursued a career in sports, though he chose baseball as his path. Darrell signed with the Los Angeles California Angels in 1979 and played as a catcher for several Major League Baseball teams over an eight-year career. He stood at 6 feet 1 inch tall (1.85 m), a height advantageous for his position, which required agility and a strong arm. After retiring from professional baseball, Darrell continued his connection with sports by becoming a sports agent, representing athletes across various disciplines.
Cheryl and her brothers formed a trio of exceptionally talented athletes, with their heights certainly playing a part in their respective successes. Their achievements and influence extended beyond the courts and fields, leaving a lasting impact on the sports world and inspiring future generations of athletes.
While not as prominent as her older brothers, Tammy Miller, Cheryl's sister, also dabbled in sports during her high school years. Tammy played volleyball and ran track, showcasing versatility and athletic ability. Though less information is available about Tammy, it's clear that the Miller family possessed a collective passion for sports, with each sibling excelling in their chosen discipline.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheryl Miller is 6 ft 2 in (1.87 m) tall.
Cheryl Miller is 187 cm tall.
Cheryl Miller's height of 6 ft 2 in (1.87 m) is relatively tall for a female basketball player. Her height contributed to her success as a player, allowing her to dominate the court with her skills and athleticism.
Absolutely. Cheryl Miller's height, combined with her athleticism and skills, made her a dominant force on the court. She set numerous records during her high school and college careers and helped bring women's basketball into the spotlight.
In addition to her height, Cheryl Miller possessed tremendous grace, athletic dexterity, and strength. Her superior athletic abilities allowed her to excel in various aspects of the game, including scoring, rebounding, and stealing the ball.
