Cheryl Miller, Drafted by New League, May Not Play

Naismith Trophy and 1984 U.S. gold medalist Cheryl Miller of USC became the first player selected Thursday as the National Women’s Basketball Assn. conducted its first draft of college seniors.

Miller was placed on the California Stars by the league’s office because coaches for the eight-team league have not been hired.

The league plans to play a 48-game schedule this winter.

However, it looks like the league will have to start without Miller. She is scheduled to compete for the U.S. in the Goodwill Games and has made no basketball plans beyond that, said Elise Franton, Miller’s public relations representative.

The eight teams include the California Stars to be located in Orange County; Carolina Blaze, Charlotte, N.C.; Georgia Peaches, Atlanta; Iowa Aces, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Louisiana Blues, Monroe, La.; Tennessee Tigercats, Knoxville, Tenn; Texas Twisters, Austin, Tex., and Virginia Express, Richmond, Va.