By JONATHAN BURROWS
Tribune Sports Reporter
jburrows@tribunemedia.net
BAHAMIAN guard Franco Miller Jr finished the Ningbo Rockets’ preseason schedule with a 15-point, eight-assist performance against the Zhejiang Golden Bulls on Sunday as he continues to adjust to professional basketball in China.
Ningbo fell 86-76 to Zhejiang on October 11, completing a winless three game preseason schedule ahead of the Chinese Basketball Association regular season.
Miller, 27, had four rebounds to go with his 15 points and eight assists, providing another productive outing after opening his preseason campaign with 20 points, four rebounds and six assists in an 82-95 loss to the Beijing Ducks on October 9.
The Bahamian guard’s latest performance followed a quieter outing against the Jiangsu Dragons on October 10, when he finished with seven points, four rebounds and two assists in a 76-87 defeat.
Against Zhejiang, Miller helped Ningbo make a strong start, with the Rockets opening a 28-15 lead in the first quarter. However, Zhejiang responded in the second quarter, outscoring Ningbo 27-12 to take a 42-40 advantage into the half.
Ningbo continued to compete after the break, with Miller connecting from beyond the arc as the Rockets attempted to keep pace. Zhejiang maintained its advantage through the final two quarters to secure the 10 point victory.
Miller’s eight assists were particularly notable as he demonstrated his ability to contribute as a facilitator alongside his scoring. His three preseason appearances produced different statistical returns, but he finished with a strong performance in his final game before the regular season.
Ningbo opened its preseason with the loss to Beijing before falling to Jiangsu and Zhejiang on consecutive days. The results leave the Rockets with work to do as they prepare for the new campaign.
Miller joined Ningbo after spending the 2025-26 season with the Santa Cruz Warriors in the NBA G League. He averaged 9.1 points, 3.3 assists and 2.8 rebounds in 29 regular season appearances, gaining experience in the Golden State Warriors’ developmental system.
The move to China marks another step in the Bahamian’s professional career, which began in Spain with Fibwi Palma during the 2024-25 season.
Miller previously explained that finding the right opportunity was important as he began his professional journey in Spain.
“My decision was really based on finding the right situation to get my foot in the door in terms of my professional career,” Miller told The Tribune in 2024. “I am just trying to move up the ladder and find the right situation that puts me in a position to win.”
Those comments predate his move to Ningbo, but his latest transition represents another opportunity to build his experience overseas.
The Rockets are scheduled to open their regular season against the Beijing Royal Fighters on October 17. Miller will look to carry his preseason production into the regular season as Ningbo begins its campaign in the CBA.