Alabama freshman Brandon Miller was named the participant of the 12 months and the newcomer of the 12 months within the SEC by The Associated Press on Tuesday. 

Miller, who has been shrouded in controversy over the previous a number of weeks, is simply the fourth freshman prior to now 50 years to steer the SEC in scoring, averaging 19.6 factors per sport. 

Brandon Miller, #24 of the Alabama Crimson Tide, flies to the basket for a slam-dunk through the second half towards the Florida Gators at Coleman Coliseum on Feb. 8, 2023 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Brandon Sumrall/Getty Images)

He can be averaging 8 rebounds per sport whereas main the SEC in made three-pointers with 93. 

Miller is linked to the January capturing dying of 23-year-old Jamea Jonae Harris after police testimony alleged that he transported former teammate Darius Miles’ gun that was used within the capturing. 

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Miller’s legal professional, Jim Standridge, launched an announcement in February clarifying that the freshman standout “by no means noticed the handgun” belonging to Miles, who has since been charged with capital homicide within the capturing dying of Harris close to the college’s campus in January.

“On January 14th, Brandon performed in a basketball sport within the afternoon and later was requested by Darius Miles for a experience to the Strip space to go to a nightclub,” the assertion learn, through the Tuscaloosa Patch. 

Brandon Miller, #24, listens to  Alabama Crimson Tide head Coach Nate Oats throughout a timeout throughout a basketball sport towards the South Carolina Gamecocks on Feb. 22, 2023 at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina. (David Jensen/Icon Sportswire through Getty Images)

“Mr. Miles introduced his authorized handgun and left within the backseat of Brandon’s automobile. Brandon by no means noticed the handgun nor dealt with it. Further it’s our understanding that the weapon was hid below some clothes within the again seat of his automotive.” 

The assertion went on to say that as an alternative of going contained in the nightclub, Miller left to go get meals. He was later contacted by Miles to choose him up and go to a unique location, and whereas he was already on the way in which, Miller acquired a textual content from Miles asking him “to convey him his firearm.” 

Alabama Crimson Tide ahead Brandon Miller, #24, leads a quick break through the basketball sport between the Alabama Crimson Tide and Texas A&M Aggies at Reed Arena on March 4, 2023 in College Station, Texas.  (Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire through Getty Images)

Miller has not been charged with a criminal offense, and the college has stated he’s a cooperating witness, not a suspect.  

The freshman has led Alabama to a 26-5 file and the No. 4 rating within the AP Top 25 forward of the SEC Tournament. 

The Crimson Tide received the SEC common season title final week for the second time in two years. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report