Miller’s absence will be a tough loss     for the Crimson, but the freshman has made an important commitment to his Mormon faith that will keep him from Crimson basketball over the next two seasons.

Yet despite many of Miller’s teammates’ unfamiliarity with Mormonism, Amaker was supportive of his decision and mindful of the consequences for the team.

“We made [Miller’s family] aware of the community that we have and all of the Harvard students who have gone on their mission and come back,” Amaker said. “Once they were comfortable looking at it from an avenue and perspective that this is part of what we have done in the past—maybe not so much a basketball player, but other students here at Harvard—they were very comfortable looking at this as a serious option for him.”

Miller is very clear about his values and priorities.  He recognized the Crimson program and style of play as a good fit for him, while acknowledging the fact that he could maintain his commitment to education and religion as a Harvard student.

“[My faith] is something that is really important to me, and it always has been that way,” Miller said. “It’s really who I am, the things that I’ll be doing.  I’ll be able to go out and serve other people, and share a message that brings joy to my life.”

—Staff writer Alexa N. Gellman be reached at agellman@college.harvard.edu.