Cheryl Miller, one of the most influential figures in basketball history, revolutionized the women’s game with her dominance at USC before making her mark as a coach and broadcaster. Widely regarded as one of the greatest female players of all time, Miller’s deep knowledge of the sport spans multiple generations. Recently, she weighed in on one of the most debated topics in basketball history—ranking LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Michael Jordan in the GOAT conversation.

During her appearance on the All The Smoke podcast, Miller made her stance clear, citing LeBron’s unparalleled athleticism, longevity, and sustained excellence as key reasons for ranking him above Jordan and Bryant.

“No one knows where I live, so that’s good,” Miller joked before delivering her verdict. “I gotta go MJ, LeBron, and then Kobe. When you look at LeBron, in my opinion, he is the greatest phenomenal specimen of an athlete. I don’t know if we’ll ever see a physical marvel of someone of his magnitude. You gotta take that and then longevity… Okay, LeBron, MJ, Kobe. I just go from longevity, and he is still ballin’.”

Miller’s argument is backed by LeBron’s remarkable performance in his 22nd NBA season. At 40 years old, he continues to defy time, averaging 25 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game while shooting 51.7% from the field and 38.4% from three-point range.

Cheryl Miller #31 of USC Trojans passes the ball during a women basketball game against the Stanford Cardinal

Cheryl Miller’s journey

Cheryl Miller is widely regarded as one of the most dominant players in women’s basketball history, redefining the sport with her skill, athleticism, and leadership. Born in 1964, she quickly rose to prominence as a high school phenom, famously scoring 105 points in a single game. Her dominance earned her a scholarship to the University of Southern California (USC), where she became the face of women’s college basketball in the 1980s.

Miller led USC to back-to-back NCAA championships in 1983 and 1984, winning multiple National Player of the Year awards and solidifying her status as a generational talent.

On the international stage, Miller was equally dominant. She played a crucial role in leading Team USA to a gold medal at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Her contributions extended beyond the Olympics, as she also helped the U.S. capture gold at the 1983 Pan American Games and the 1986 FIBA World Championship. Miller’s impact was undeniable—she was a transcendent star at a time when women’s basketball was still fighting for mainstream recognition.

A career cut short

Unfortunately, a devastating knee injury ended her playing career before she could make the leap to the professional level. However, Miller seamlessly transitioned into coaching and broadcasting, continuing to shape the game from the sidelines and behind the microphone. She served as the head coach at USC and later led the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, further showcasing her deep knowledge and passion for the NBA and WNBA.

Miller’s influence extends far beyond her own achievements, as she paved the way for future generations of women’s basketball players. Her legacy is not only defined by her individual accolades but also by her role in elevating the women’s game to new heights. In 1995, she was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute to her groundbreaking career. Whether on the court, the sidelines, or in the broadcast booth, Cheryl Miller’s impact on basketball remains unparalleled.