This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
When the NCAA Tournament bracket was revealed, the New Mexico Lobos thought themselves lucky to end up in Salt Lake City — a relatively short trek that would allow more of their fans to travel to the game.
But for a group of a Harvard supporters, the drive will be even shorter.
Brighton High School alum Corbin Miller played last season for Harvard, before leaving on an LDS Church mission to Mexico. So come Thursday night, expect to see a shock of crimson in the EnergySolutions Arena seats.
"His family and I'm sure a lot of his friends will be here for our game tomorrow," Harvard coach Tommy Amaker said. "He was an outstanding player for us last year. As fate would have it, we are here in his hometown ... to have an NCAA Tournament game and he's not able to be here with us."
Miller, who earned All-State honors three times in high school, played in 28 games last year for Harvard. He averaged 3.8 points per game and scored in double digit four times.
Amaker said he's found time to email Miller throughout Harvard's 19-9 season and run to its second straight Ivy League title.
"We miss him," Amaker said. "There's no question about it. Every time I have a chance to communicate and email with him, believe me, I say that to him."
Miller's Harvard teammates said some of those emails have been posted in the team's locker room throughout the season.
"I hope he's doing well and doing everything he needs to do on his mission," teammate Wesley Saunders said. "We can't wait to get him back because he's definitely a great addition to our team, and a great shooter. Whenever he gets back ... we will accept him back with open arms."
Amaker, too, said he is anxious for Miller's return to the team.
"He was an outstanding shooter and scorer for us last year as a freshman, and I think he's going to continue to do really, really neat things for Harvard," he said.
Twitter: @aaronfalk