SMSU Athletics Hall of Honor
Tim Miles (1997-2001) served as the head men’s basketball coach for four seasons leading the program to its first conference title and to national prominence.
During his tenure, he led SMSU to four straight winning seasons and a combined record of 78-39. Prior to taking over as head coach, SMSU had a total of seven winning seasons in 30 years.
SMSU put together back-to-back 16-11 marks his first two seasons, which was just the second time in team history SMSU had consecutive winning seasons. The Mustangs broke through in 1999-2000 tying a school record with 18 victories, finishing 12-6 in the NSIC and advanced to the NSIC tournament semifinals.
With high expectations in 2000-01, which included a preseason Top 25 ranking, SMSU was able to overcome a 2-4 start by reeling off 17 consecutive victories on its way to the program’s first league title with a 17-1 record. The Mustangs lost in the NSIC tournament championship game but earned a spot in the NCAA tournament for the first time ever.
SMSU, the No. 3 seed in the NCAA North Central Region Tournament, defeated Winona State, Fort Hays State and St. Cloud State to capture the region championship and advance to the NCAA Elite Eight in Bakersfield, Calif., before losing to Kentucky Wesleyan. SMSU finished the season 28-7 overall, setting a team record for victories in a single-season.
For his efforts, Miles was named the NSIC and NABC Central Region Coach of the Year in 2000-01. Miles coached six All-NSIC first team and three All-NSIC honorable mention honorees during his tenure, while also recruiting and coaching SMSU’s first-ever NCAA All-American in Scott Koenen in 2000-01.
Following his successful run at SMSU, he continued his career as the head coach at several Division I institutions, including North Dakota State, Colorado State, and Nebraska. He currently serves as the head men’s basketball coach at San Jose State.
