Director: Mark Miller

Coach Mark Miller is actively involved in all training sessions for each NRBA student. In addition, Coach Miller relies upon staff members to assist him who are trained and qualified to teach, challenge, motivate and encourage students to reach their full potential.

Coach Miller's Bio:
Coach Miller currently serves as Director of Sport’s Outreach for North Ridge Church in Raleigh, NC. He is also Founder and Director of North Ridge Basketball Academy. Coach Miller is highly respected as a clinician, camp director and motivational speaker. His knowledge of the game of basketball and his ability to teach the fundamentals are tremendous strengths. Throughout Coach Miller's career, many of his former players/students have gone on to sign college scholarships and to play professionally, but his main focus has always remained the same: to use the game of basketball as a training ground in helping young people develop the skills necessary, on and off the court, to be successful in life.

Coach Miller began his coaching career as the Junior Varsity Coach at Wheeler High School in Marietta, GA, a large 4A public school in metro Atlanta. After posting an impressive two-year JV record of
25-7, Coach Miller, at age 24, was elevated to the Head Varsity position. He would go on to direct the Wheeler Program for the next seven years. During his last four seasons, Miller's teams posted an outstanding 74-30 overall record. His 1991 team advanced to the quarterfinals of the Georgia Class 4A State Championships.

After Wheeler, Coach Miller entered the collegiate ranks with stops as an Assistant Coach at Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga, TN and Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. In 1992, TN Temple University captured the NCCAA District 2 Championship. In 1993, with Miller joining the staff, Liberty's recruiting class was ranked #1 in the Big South Conference by Bob Gibbons of the All-Star Sports Report. In 1994, Liberty won the Big South Conference Championship earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. In the East Regional, Liberty faced #1 seed North Carolina and legendary coach Dean Smith.

Following Liberty, Coach Miller decided to return to the high school ranks to spend more time with his family. In 1995, he took over the reins of the basketball program at Ravenscroft School in Raleigh, NC. Ravenscroft had suffered through 14 consecutive losing seasons prior to Miller's arrival. Under Miller's leadership, Ravenscroft won back-to-back TISAC Championships and was a 4-time state independent playoff qualifier and 3-time playoff quarterfinalist.

Beginning in 1997, while at Ravenscroft, Coach Miller helped establish and began directing Hoop Heaven Basketball Camp which would become a very successful summer camping and urban outreach program, based in New York City. Coach Miller guided and directed the growing Hoop Heaven program on a full-time basis from 2000-2004. He also began traveling overseas conducting basketball camps and clinics in the Philippines, Bhutan and Kosovo.

In 2004, Coach Miller founded MINA Ministries, and began to invest his time in the personal development of men and women as a personnel consultant and life coach. With the opening of the North Ridge Basketball Academy in 2009, Coach Miller returns his focus to the game of basketball and to his vision of providing a program where first class basketball instruction is combined with personal character development so that young people can truly reach their full potential. Coach Miller lives in Raleigh, NC with his wife, Tamra and three sons Dustin, Nathan and Luke.

What Others Are Saying About Coach Miller:
"Mark Miller is a man of integrity that will give you the truth straight from the heart. In a world filled with flim-flam, it’s refreshing to see a coach honor the values of faith and action."

Adrian Branch
ACC & NBA Champion
ACC Legend of the Game
ESPN TV Analyst

"I am delighted to see the robust passion, commanding expertise and humble leadership of Coach Mark Miller manifest in and through North Ridge Basketball Academy. Places like this should be invested in, populated and championed."

Coach Morris Michalski
Basketball Specialist/Athletes in Action
Chaplain-U.S.A. Olympic Team

"Coach Miller’s passion, creativity, and attention to detail make him one of the finest coaches I have ever been around. Trust me, you will grow as a player under Coach Miller’s instruction. I did."

Aaron Winkle
NCAA Div. III National Champion/ Player of the Year
Former Pro Player

"If you are serious about your development as a basketball player, you need to get in the gym with Coach Miller. You will reach a level as a player that you never thought you could."

Eddie Rogosich
St. David’s School, Raleigh
2008 NCISAA Coach of the Year

"Coach Miller is the most enthusiastic camp director I have ever worked with. His instruction rivals and surpasses the 5-Star
Basketball Camps that produce many college and professional players. His work ethic and teaching young people basketball and Christian values is second to none."

Dr. George Barber
Head Coach-Greenville College
Former NCAA Div. 1 National Champion

"Meeting Coach Miller changed my life in many positive ways and I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to play basketball in college on a full scholarship. He inspired me to be a better person not just on the court, but in everyday life as well."

Troy Sledge
2-time NAIA Champions of Character Winner
Former Pro Player

"Coach Miller has a relentless passion and energy for the game of basketball. It is only exceeded by his knowledge of the game, and his ability to communicate that knowledge with others."

Coach Art Wilmore
2-time NCCAA National Champion
University San Francisco Hall of Fame Inductee

Associate Director: Seth Huber

What Coach Miller Says About Seth Huber:
"Seth Huber is an outstanding educator. His passion, expertise, and ability to communicate the game of basketball at every level are a rare combination. I have partnered in sport's ministry with him for years, and consider his talents and abilities to be second to none. He is a man of extreme integrity who will challenge and motivate our students toward excellence. The NRBA is truly blessed to have his leadership."

Coach Huber's Bio:
Seth Huber currently serves as Associate Director of the NRBA focusing on curriculum development and international outreach expansion. Coach Huber is a Liberty University graduate where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education. He is a licensed physical educator for grades Pre-K through 12th, and has been a public shool instructor for the past five years. During that tenure, he developed a physical education program emphasizing individual skill acquisition, progression, and refinement through explanation, demonstration, and repetition.

Coach Huber has been extensively involved in the game of basketball as a player and a coach internationally, interscholastically, and recreationally. He’s developed into an exceptional motivator, teacher, and communicator in regards to coaching.

Coach Huber has had experience coaching various levels of basketball in multiple settings. He was a high school boy’s basketball coach at a private school in Lynchburg, Virginia, where he compiled a winning record. He has also taught the game of basketball domestically and internationally through clinics and camps coordinating fundamental skill teaching stations. He worked as a skills coach, team coach, and league commissioner for multiple summers at Hoop Heaven Camp in New York. In addition, he has coached in various youth leagues throughout his career.

Coach Huber is also an exceptional player, and has competed in the United States, Guatemala, El Salvador, and the Philippines as a member of travel teams for both Athletes in Action and Hoop Heaven.

Coach Huber is an innate educator and coach who continues to pursue and explore opportunities to advance his abilities and experiences. He currently resides in Raleigh, NC.

Lead Player Development Instructor: Nathan Miller

What Coach Miller Says About Nathan Miller:
"Nathan Miller is an exceptional teacher of the game, and a student favorite at the NRBA. Having grown up around coaches and in basketball instructional environments, he is able to communicate to players those skills and habits that lead to success. His work ethic is unparalleled, and that drive, energy and excitement are contagious elements of his teaching. He is also a young man committed to his faith, and to challenging others to reach their full potential. It is a unique privilege to partner with my son in impacting young people in a positive way."

Coach Nathan Miller's Bio:
Nathan Miller currently serves as the NRBA's Lead Player Development Instructor focusing on staff development, 1-1, small group and camp instruction. Nathan is a 2009 graduate of North Raleigh Christian Academy. As a senior, Nathan was one of the leading scorers in North Carolina averageing 26.2 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals per game. He was also a 3-time All-Conference selection and 3-time North Raleigh Christian Academy MVP. He is currently NRCA's all-time leading scorer finishing his high school career with over 1,300 points, 350 assists, and 250 steals. Nathan also graduated with a 4.0 GPA and garnered many academic awards as well.

In April 2009, Nathan signed a letter of intent to continue his athletic and academic career at Southern Wesleyan University. SWU is located in Central, SC and competes in the highly competitive NAIA Division 1 Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC).
Nathan's college coach, Coach Wimphrie, summed up his abilities in this statement: “Nate is a prolific scorer with deep range and accuracy. He has excellent ball-handling skills along with great court vision and passing ability. I anticipate Nate competing for a starting position as a freshman. My goal is to find more student athletes like Nate Miller who embraces our mission here at Southern Wesleyan University.”

Nathan just recently completed his freshmen year at SWU. In March 2010, he was named to the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) All-Freshmen Team. Nathan was the starting point guard on a much improved SWU team. His leadership on and off the court were instrumental in SWU's success this season. Nate led his team in assists, and was one of the finest 3 point shooters in the SSAC and the NAIA at over 43%. Nathan was also named to the Dean's List in his first semester at SWU. "We are so proud of Nate. All the hard work has paid off. He is an example to all our students of a young man committed to excellence on the court, in the classroom and as a follower of Jesus Christ." Coach Miller

Nathan honed his skills growing up a coach's son, spending his summers participating in camps across the country, and at Hoop Heaven Camp in New York, competing against outstanding athletes and players. From that experience, he developed an incredible fundamental foundation in the game, an unparraleled work ethic, and a passionate competitive spirit that continues to drive him toward success. In addition, Nathan's ability to teach and communicate the game at a high level has become a tremendous strength that others are taking note of.

For information and updates on Nathan's collegiate career, visit the Southern Wesleyan University website at: www.swu.edu

Player Development Instructor: Raina Smith

What Coach Miller Says About Raina Smith:
"The NRBA is so fortunate to have Raina as part of our staff. I was impressed with her commitment to excellence from the moment I met her. She recognizes the enormous responsibility that working with young people brings, and as a result, provides an incredible positive example for all our students to follow. Raina is a gifted communicator and teacher; her knowledge of the game and her enthusiasm teaching it are a tremendous asset to this ministry."

Coach Raina Smith's Bio:
Raina Smith currently serves as a Player Development Instructor at the NRBA focusing on 1-1, small group and camp instruction. Raina is from Raleigh, NC where, as a high school student/athlete, she attended and graduated from Ravenscroft School. While at Ravenscroft, she was a two-sport standout. As a softball player, Raina led her team to the 2004 NCISAA State Championship while garnering All-Conference and All-State honors. In addition, she was named the News and Observer’s ‘Home Run Queen.’ As a basketball player, Raina was part of the tradition rich Ravenscroft program where she started as a senior averaging nine points, twelve rebounds and 6.3 assists per game. Her performance on the court earned her the school’s Most Improved Player Award.

Raina began her collegiate career at Hawaii Pacific University where she was named to the Dean’s List with a 3.5 GPA. Following her freshmen year, Raina transferred to NCAA Div. II Barry University in Miami Shores, FL and immediately found a home with the Lady Buccaneers. She was an integral part of the 2008-09 Barry basketball team that achieved the highest NCAA national ranking (13th in the USA Today/ESPN Coaches’ Poll) in school’s history. Raina was an honor roll student at Barry, and also the team’s representative on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). While at Barry, Raina played for veteran coach Bill Sullivan who summed up her contributions and character in the following statement, “Regardless of the situation, Raina maintained an even-temperament and was filled with optimism and encouragement for her teammates. Raina is a leader on and off the court, is extremely unselfish, and always placed the team above her own desires. Raina has a tremendous work ethic and was one of our hardest workers. Each season she would spend extra hours in the gym trying to improve her game.” This summer Raina participated in the Raleigh Starlight League, featuring many college and pro players, and was a member of the league’s championship team.

In addition to her academic and athletic achievements, Raina has always been actively involved in her community and has an incredible desire to help meet the needs of others. She has been involved in several community service projects such as teaching basketball skills to inner city boys and girls at the Miami Rescue Mission; helping raise money to buy and deliver gifts to underprivileged kids during Christmas vacation; and helping build houses with Habitat for Humanity. She also served as a camp counselor for the City of Raleigh Department of Parks and Recreation for many years.

Raina currently resides in Raleigh, and in March 2010, was selected to join the newly formed RDU Sting semi-pro team located in the Triangle. She is also prayerfully considering the possibility of playing professionally overseas or pursuing her academic goals at the graduate level.

Player Development Instructor: Luke Miller

What Coach Miller Says About Luke Miller:
“Luke is a talented and gifted young teacher who has the ability to communicate and relate to NRBA students in a powerful way. Luke has spent most of his life on the court in instructional settings, and has always competed against older players. The maturity gained from that experience gives him an edge as a player and instructor. He has a gift and a heart for sport’s evangelism, and will continue to be an important asset to the future of this ministry.”

Coach Luke Miller's Bio:
Luke Miller currently serves as a Player Development Instructor at the NRBA focusing on 1-1, small group and camp instruction. Luke is the NRBA’s youngest instructor, and has grown up around the game of basketball and sport’s ministry. He is often seen around the NRBA, and when available, jumps right in to help instruct students or to set the example of what proper technique and work ethic looks like. Luke is known for his passion and dedication to the game, but more importantly, to his Savior. It is that passion that makes him a natural fit at the NRBA.

Luke is currently a Junior Student-Athlete at North Raleigh Christian Academy. He has been a member of the Varsity Basketball Team at NRCA since his freshmen year. In the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons, Luke had the opportunity to play with his older brother Nathan. Together they formed a solid backcourt for the Knights. During the 2009-2010 season, Luke not only took over an increased scoring role (12 pts./game), but as Team Captain, he also stepped up as a leader on and off the floor. He is respected in the area as an unselfish player (evidenced by his team leading assist average), a fundamentally sound competitor, an excellent decision maker and an outstanding shooter.

Luke's goal is to play at the next level, and has made a commitment to prepare himself for that challenge. If you would like to follow Luke's progress at NRCA, check out the school's website at: www.nrcaknights.com