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UNITED STATES – The G League doesn’t guarantee NBA success. But it does get you one step closer to the association. We don’t know what happens next, but what we do know — this is a seminal moment in the basketball career of Franco Miller Jr.

Miller was selected by the Santa Cruz Warriors in the 2025 NBA G League Draft with the 27th pick of the second round — 58th overall.

It will have to be a quick transition from international and European play back to the United States.

Miller is coming off a strong rookie season in Spain for Fibwi Palma in the Primera FEB League. He averaged just over 10 points, three rebounds and three assists per game.

Recently for Team Bahamas, he averaged 22.7 points and 5 assists at the FIBA AmeriCup.

A season against high-level competition helped Miller to adjust to the physicality and pace of the pro game headed into the G League tryouts earlier this month.

Deandre Ayton posts double-double in Lakers win

The Los Angeles Lakers are severely shorthanded and are starting the season in the worst way possible. No LeBron, no Luka… no problem — for now.

Ayton posted his first double-double as a Laker last night in a 127-120 road win over the Sacramento Kings.

Ayton dropped 22 points on 10-of-17 from the field and pulled down 15 rebounds, both season highs.

He also added two assists, one block and one steal in 36 minutes. Ayton also revealed that his teammates “troll” him in practice and pregame sessions to get him firing, and that approach seems to be working. He said he lets that motivation drive him on the court.

Up next, the second night of a back-to-back against the team that bought Ayton out, the Portland Trail Blazers.

Deyton Albury named preseason All-Mountain West

Mountain West coaches are familiar with Deyton Albury. They saw the breakout at Utah State, so when he made the move to New Mexico — they know what he’s bringing to the table.

Albury was named to the preseason All-Mountain West Conference team for the upcoming season.

The graduate transfer guard made his debut in a preseason loss to the Washington State Cougars, 74-66.

He fouled out in just 22 minutes with 6 points and 4 rebounds.

Looking back at last season with the Utah State Aggies, Albury appeared in all 34 games, starting 23, and averaged 7.8 points and 2.5 rebounds per game.