Master P Shakes Up College Hoops, Boosts New Orleans Privateers

Master P's venture into college athletics was not a sudden pivot but a natural extension of his lifelong dedication to basketball. His own journey in the sport included collegiate play at the University of Houston and Merritt College, where he also earned a business degree. He further pursued professional opportunities, with stints in the CBA and tryouts with NBA teams such as the Charlotte Hornets and Toronto Raptors, giving him a deep understanding of the game from a player's perspective.

Beyond his personal playing career, Miller cultivated two decades of experience mentoring young athletes through his highly successful AAU program, the "P. Miller Ballers." This program achieved three national championships and was instrumental in developing future NBA stars including DeMar DeRozan, Brandon Jennings, Lance Stephenson, and Jalen Suggs. His own sons also played for the Ballers, underscoring basketball development as a long-standing family commitment. This extensive background provided a unique foundation for his role at UNO, combining on-court expertise with mentorship.

The business acumen that propelled Master P to build the independent No Limit Records empire was seamlessly applied to the college basketball program. Known for its emphasis on discipline and ownership, the No Limit ethos translated into a strategic approach at UNO, focusing on rebuilding and empowering the student-athletes. Miller's motivation for taking on the unpaid role was deeply personal, rooted in his New Orleans upbringing and a desire to give back to the community that shaped him. He aimed to restore the winning tradition he remembered from his youth, when UNO was considered one of the country's top programs.

Upon Miller's appointment, Head Coach Stacy Hollowell expressed immense enthusiasm for the future of the Privateers. Hollowell stated, "This is a tremendously exciting day for the future of New Orleans Privateers basketball. I am thrilled to add coach Percy Miller to our staff as President of Basketball Operations. Coach Miller cares deeply about his city, the University of New Orleans and Privateers basketball. We will benefit from his basketball knowledge and his relationships with people within the city and the game." Hollowell later elaborated on Miller's multifaceted contributions, noting, "if you think about who he is you have an entrepreneur a mogul a master marketer a guy who's filled arenas his entire career who loves basketball who played basketball he's got a lot of basketball ties to some NBA guys. and so all of that. comes together in a really nice way for us."

Master P himself articulated his profound connection to the sport and his community. He reflected, "As a kid growing up in New Orleans, I can honestly say that basketball changed and saved my life. At that time, UNO was one of the best programs in the country." He emphasized his commitment to the program, stating, "As President of Basketball Operations, I am committed to bringing back that winning tradition to NOLA's Team." Miller also highlighted the broader mission beyond athletics: "But this is bigger than the game—it's about educating and creating future leaders at the same time." Acknowledging the shifting landscape of college athletics, he commented, "We know that NIL has changed the game, and we're prepared to work under those guidelines to make sure our student-athletes here get what they need and get what they deserve." After the team's significant improvement and making the playoffs, Miller reflected on the journey: "yes we made it a non-believers. believe because it was tough at first nobody believed that we could get this far."

Master P's tenure at UNO transcended mere win-loss records; it brought a renewed sense of purpose, increased visibility, and crucial resources to a program that had faced its share of challenges. His emphasis on education, leadership, accountability, and preparing for life after basketball underscored a holistic approach to student-athlete development. This commitment was particularly impactful for a university that had experienced declining enrollment from approximately 17,000 students and was navigating significant institutional changes.

Miller's departure from UNO occurred on March 26, 2026, marking the completion of his one-year commitment. His stepping down coincided with a major institutional transition for the university itself. The University of New Orleans officially transitioned into the LSU System, becoming "LSU New Orleans," on July 1, 2026. This transition, which had been announced on November 5, 2025, was undertaken with the aim of stabilizing the university amidst its challenges.

Even after his formal role concluded, Master P's dedication to empowering youth continues through his nonprofit, the Team Hope Foundation. This organization, founded by Percy Miller, is dedicated to creating transformative opportunities for inner-city youth through education, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, sports, music, mental-health resources, and leadership development. His season at UNO stands as a testament to how deep personal investment, strategic vision, and a commitment to community can profoundly impact a program and its people, leaving a lasting legacy of growth and opportunity.