How one WNBA writer assesses Diamond Miller at the next level; Q & A with Mark Schindler

Entering the 2022 season, a lot had changed for Diamond Miller at Maryland. Former co-stars Angel Reese and Ashley Owusu departed the program for new schools, while veteran starters Katie Benzan and Chloe Bibby also saw their time as Terps come to a close.

Suddenly, for better or worse, Miller became the focal point of the Terps, tasked with leading Brenda Frese’s re-tooled squad through a daunting schedule littered with the nation’s top teams in hopes of a deep run in March. 

Miller has answered the bell, averaging 19.4 points and 6.3 rebounds per game on the season. The 6-foot-3 senior has also developed a knack for the big moments, coming up clutch when called upon. For example, Her one-legged buzzer-beating game winner against No. 7 Notre Dame Dec. 1 garnered national attention — even prompting props from NBA star Kevin Durant in the immediate aftermath. Her success has been tied to the team’s, as the Terps enter the final stretch of the regular season 19-5 with a top ten ranking in the polls.

Aye Diamond Miller, u a killer for that Dirk fade at the buzzer, good win Terps

— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) December 2, 2022

Miller has been a near consensus top ten pick in WNBA mock drafts, even reaching as high as the second overall pick in the most recent mock draft put out by The Athletic.  To better understand Miller’s fit in the pros and where her game stacks up with other prospects, I spoke with WNBA writer Mark Schindler (@MG_Schindler).

This conversation has been lightly edited for clarity.

When you look at Diamond Miller as a player, what stands out to you in her game?

Schindler: The part of what makes Diamond so interesting is that I don’t know if I have a defining skill for her. I think what stands out the most is her ability to drive the basketball at her size, she has a really good handle as well. It’s really just the intersection between her size and skill that makes her so intriguing.

Miller’s positional flexibility, especially on the defensive end, is a huge strength of hers for the Terps. How effective do you see her guarding multiple positions at the WNBA level?

Schindler: She has the capability to play multiple positions and switch out a little bit more, because she’s really rangy, she can block shots and she can be aggressive on that end. I view her as someone who can make more mistakes on offense in the pros because she can make positive plays as a defender. Overall, she has the versatility to do a lot of different things defensively and do them well.

On offense, her ability to get to the left hand, especially in transition, has been impressive. However, when teams load up on that side she has struggled. What can she do to mitigate that?

Schindler: I think once teams start to pick up on and scout her more, she’s going to have to see the floor a little better and improve on her passing deliveries.

What type of passer/processor do you think Miller is, especially out of ball screens? Is she a secondary playmaker, or can she get to that point forward that is so valuable?

Schindler: I would lean towards her being more of a secondary playmaker, you see a lot of her best playmaking come out of transition when she can run and see what’s ahead of her really well. I think part of what makes her so intriguing is that you can give her opportunities to rebound and run in transition.

What advances have you seen Miller take this year?

Schindler: I think getting to the free throw line has been super impressive. The refinement of her footwork and improving on attacking the basket.

The jumpshot is a point of concern for her. She hits tough shots off the bounce but it’s been inconsistent (47.1% on the season). What do you think of the shot?

Schindler: She has not shot the ball particularly well, but her shots normally have been around average. I do think that she is a good enough free throw shooter, that this year is more of a blip. Honestly, I think she is more comfortable shooting off the bounce than catching and shooting. I think building down to making more simple catch and shoots is going to be easier than building her shot up. To get to the most impressive part of her game — her driving — the jumpshot is going to have to hit.

In big games — Baylor, Notre Dame, UConn, Ohio State — she’s risen to the moment. How much stock do you think WNBA managers and scouts take into account?

Schindler: It’s hard to not think about the Notre Dame game, and how the entire game they schemed everything to get her open. There is real credence to her willingness to take those shots, even though I don’t know much to weigh it.

What is her role at the next level, and where do you think she can get to as a player if she’s placed in the right environment and situation?

Schindler: For Diamond, I don’t want to put a cap on her, but I don’t know if she ever reaches a 1A star. But if things hit, for her to be a top 15 to top 20 level player in the league who has all-star value because of her all-around skillset is something I think is very possible for Diamond if she lands in the right spot.