By Dionysis Aravantinos / info@eurohoops.net
Milton Doyle is now officially a player for UCAM Murcia, as the team announced on August 8. His journey to signing a deal with the Spanish team, however, is unique.
During his first year at the University of Loyola, Doyle was prevented from playing basketball since he had left Kansas University. When he intended to quit basketball and start working at McDonald’s, his mother persuaded him that he has the talent to succeed at basketball: “Boy, you have too much talent.” (per Kiaezona.com). Five years later, Doyle made his debut in the NBA, playing in 10 different games for the Brooklyn Nets.
Thanks to his 2017 Summer League performance, he earned a spot on the team and played in 10 games. As Darion Atkinson (Brooklyn Nets Summer League Head Coach) stated, his [Doyle’s] performances in Las Vegas came out of nowhere: “I think it came out of nowhere. I saw him play and the first thing I thought, was who is this boy? He was able to score, in addition to making passes and facilitating. He had to improve some aspects of his game, but he was delighted to be part of the team. I could not wait to see him train.”
Playing professional was a dream of Doyle’s, and now at 24 years of age, he plays basketball for a living, working for his family and two kids: “Fatherhood has made me more mature. It made me think more about my game and my future.
Last season, the 24-year old guard averaged 3.4 points and 1.8 rebounds in the NBA, but he exploded for 20.5 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game in the G-League.