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The University of New Orleans hired legendary music mogul Percy “Master P” Miller as its president of basketball operations on Tuesday. The timing of that announcement is curious.
While Miller boasts hoops experience at both the college and professional levels, he walks into a program entangled in controversy. The Privateers are currently linked to a federal sports betting investigation.
That probe has uncovered a gambling ring that’s been found to have wagered on NCAA and NBA games. The bettors have ties to a case that led to Jontay Porter’s banishment from the league. A number of college programs have also been named.
Most recently, the investigation touched North Carolina A&T, Mississippi Valley State, and Eastern Michigan. Temple has also been tied to the scandal.
Now, it’s the New Orleans basketball program in the crosshairs. At least two games from earlier this year have been flagged for suspicious line movement, according to ESPN.
That unusual activity appears to be the reason for the suspensions of four players, including leading scorer James White. That quartet has been held off the court for nearly a month dating back to late January, though it had been unclear why.
The New Orleans men’s basketball team has held out four of its top five scorers since a Jan. 27 loss to UIW due to an investigation into sports gambling, sources told @TheFieldOf68.
Leading scorer James White (19.2 ppg), Jah Short (9.2 ppg), Dae Dae Hunter (8.2 ppg) and Jamond…
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) February 26, 2025
Interestingly enough, on the same day the reasoning for those suspensions was revealed, the school dropped some positive news with a staff hire.
“Master P” will be New Orleans’ president of basketball operations.
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Percy Miller played college ball at Houston and Merritt College before moving onto a professional career. He’s been coaching AAU for the better part of the last two decades.
“This is a tremendously exciting day for the future of New Orleans Privateers basketball. I am thrilled to add coach Percy Miller to our staff as President of Basketball Operations. Coach Miller cares deeply about his city, the University of New Orleans and Privateers basketball. We will benefit from his basketball knowledge and his relationships with people within the city and the game.”
-Head coach Stacy Hollowell
“Master P” is ready to inspire New Orleans basketball players. He’s excited about the opportunity to pursue NIL deals and better his team’s financial outlook. He’ll have his hands full, however, in helping turn the program around.
The off-court issues have been noted. On the floor, the Privateers are just 4-25 and headed for their third consecutive losing season. Percy Miller wants to put his hometown university back on the map. He’s now officially on the clock.