McMillan Adds Veteran Guard Miles to 2025-26 Roster
Bucky McMillan continued his bold reconstruction of the Alabama A&M Aggies men’s basketball program on Wednesday with the addition of seasoned guard Duke Miles to the 2025-26 roster. The 6-foot-2 veteran brings a wealth of experience, scoring ability, and on-court leadership to a team aiming to redefine its identity in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
Miles, who spent the past two seasons at Troy after transferring from Troy University (where he began his career before a brief stint in the transfer portal), has consistently demonstrated toughness, court vision, and an aggressive scoring mentality. He averaged 13.8 points, 4.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game last season while shooting an efficient 47% from the field and 36% from beyond the arc. His knack for creating offense—both for himself and teammates—will be a critical asset for McMillan, who has emphasized pace and perimeter play since taking the helm last season.
“We’re building something special here, and Duke fits our vision perfectly,” McMillan said in a statement released by the university. “He’s a competitor. He’s been through the battles, understands the grind of a college season, and brings a maturity that our locker room needs. He’s going to make everyone around him better.”
The Aggies, who finished 13-19 last season under McMillan’s first year in charge, showed flashes of high-octane promise but struggled with consistency and late-game execution—two areas Miles is expected to immediately impact. Known for his poise under pressure, Miles has hit multiple game-winners in his career and is not afraid to take control in crunch time. His ability to get to the rim, draw fouls, and command the floor during high-leverage moments is anticipated to elevate the Aggies’ late-game performance.
In joining Alabama A&M, Miles becomes the centerpiece of what is shaping up to be one of McMillan’s most ambitious recruiting classes. The Aggies have already added 6-foot-9 forward Jaquan McCray from the JUCO ranks and sharpshooting freshman wing Keon Battle out of Georgia. Miles, however, will be expected to set the tone on and off the court. With three years of Division I basketball behind him, including starts in over 75 career games, he steps into an immediate leadership role in a young but hungry squad.
For Miles, the decision was about fit, opportunity, and belief.
“Coach McMillan sees the game the way I do,” Miles said. “He believes in his guys, and he lets them play to their strengths. I wanted to be somewhere I could lead, grow, and help win. This just felt right.”
As McMillan’s vision for a fast, fearless, and fundamentally sound program continues to materialize, the addition of Duke Miles is more than just another roster move—it’s a signal of intent. The Aggies are no longer content to be on the margins. With veterans like Miles anchoring the floor, Alabama A&M is looking to climb, challenge, and contend in 2025-26.
