Medford, Ore — A legend on and off the court, one of Oregon’s greatest coaches is looking to the future as he leaves his place in history.
With over 1,000 wins Oregon Institute of Technology head basketball coach Danny Miles is in very unique company.
Coach Miles says while the wins are nice, they mean nothing if he doesn’t have an impact on his players.
When you’re one of the winningest head coaches in men’s basketball history, your name carries a lot of weight.
For oit’s head coach Danny Miles, the more than 1,000 career wins are only a part of what he hopes will be his legacy.
“The wins and losses come along, but get the kids to play hard, play together and they do that and they do that every night i was happy and they knew that,” said Coach Miles.
Those who played for Miles say their coach always asked for the best from his players.
“It’s called the Hustlin’ Owls because of Coach Miles, and he influenced me to not be too easy on my kids and expect a lot out of them, let he expected a lot out of us,” said Jake Carr.
That mentality, led the Hustlin’ Owls to not only 3 national championships but a lifetime of lessons.
“I’m here where I am because of him, and I’m the man that I am because I got to go to college and play basketball,” said Carr.
This year will be the Hall of Fame coaches’ last but while speaking to his peers at a conference Miles let everyone know his work is not done.
“I’d like to do something with youth sports, I’m big into Special Olympics, that’s a big part of my life,” said Miles.
While he might not be a coach on the court, he says he’ll continue his work outside the lines.
“I’d still like to coach, I love what I do and I want to be involved in some way,” said Miles.
Coach Miles says his team will likely need another two or three wins to make it to this year’s NAIA tournament.
The Hustling Owls’ next game and coach Miles’ last at home court is this Saturday at 7:30 at Danny Miles court.
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