Percy Miller has put New Orleans on his back — literally. At least it feels that way.
The former rapper, music mogul and entertainment entrepreneur, who became the president of basketball operations at the University of New Orleans, is firmly rooted in rebuilding. This hasn’t been an overnight process, but the results are starting to show.
The NOLA native known as Master P took on his new role knowing there would be challenges. However, taking a struggling Privateers team into the trenches in search of stability and relevance requires a monumental effort.
UNO finished 4-25 last season and landed at the bottom of the Southland Conference while navigating the fallout from an NCAA investigation tied to gambling and point-shaving during the 2024-25 season. Several players were suspended, and the scandal further eroded a program that once stood among the nation’s better mid-majors.
That was the downturn before Miller had arrived. He walked into the building ready to rebuild from the program’s lowest point he was never involved with. UNO officials turned to the hometown figure who built a career on reinvention and leadership. His goal was to bring a winning culture back to New Orleans. So far, that process is happening ahead of schedule.
“I’m here to bring back the winning tradition to New Orleans basketball,” Miller said in a statement after being hired. “But this is bigger than the game. It’s about educating and creating future leaders at the same time.”
This is bigger than New Orleans
Miller was raised in the Calliope Projects, which sit in the heart of the city. For him, the opportunity represents more than wins and losses. This is about answering the call of duty, one reason Miller has spent his own money to help fix UNO’s Lakefront Arena — renovations that hadn’t occurred since Hurricane Katrina ravaged the city in 2005.
“This was about giving back to the next generation,” Miller told Sporting News. “When I was presented with the opportunity to come back home, I reached out to Deion Sanders. He told me, ‘You’ve got to do it.’ I haven’t looked back since. Basketball saved my life, and I’ve got to give back.
“I don’t want to be known as Master P anymore. That chapter of my life is behind me. It’s now Coach Percy Miller.”
Miller’s basketball resume extends well beyond celebrity. He earned a scholarship to the University of Houston before a knee injury altered his path. He later appeared in NBA preseason games with the Charlotte Hornets and Toronto Raptors and participated in Summer League stints with multiple franchises.
For more than two decades, Miller has been deeply involved in grassroots basketball. His AAU program, P. Miller’s Ballers, won three national championships and developed future NBA players such as Brandon Jennings, DeMar DeRozan, Jalen Suggs and others. That experience, combined with his business sense, made him an appealing addition as UNO looks to rebuild its culture.
In his new role, Miller will work alongside head coach Stacy Hollowell with a focus on recruiting, player development and restoring credibility. The Privateers have already added size and depth through international prospects.
UNO has started to rebound in less than a year
At 8-13, UNO has already doubled its win total from last season, including a season-opening win over TCU. In fact, the Privateers are the third-best team in Louisiana, according to T-Rank data. This has come without a massive NIL budget and a need to scout for talent around the country.
Miller’s return has paid off. His career has long been intertwined with New Orleans’ identity. He has remained active in community work, philanthropy and youth mentorship, which aligns with his emphasis on opportunity and accountability.
“Not everyone gets the opportunity to be called a five-star talent,” Miller said. “I’ve been around players who needed someone to see their worth and take a chance on them at the next level. That’s what I want to do here as a coach.”
The challenge ahead remains significant. UNO plays in a 9,000-seat Lakefront Arena that has seen better days, and rebuilding trust with fans and recruits will take time. Miller insists the vision is long-term.
For a program seeking direction, UNO is betting that Miller’s leadership — not his celebrity — can help chart a new course.
