Miller Ends Comeback, Leaves Olympic Tryouts

If you blinked, you might have missed the comeback.

The curious but short return of Cheryl Miller to competitive basketball ended Monday. The former Olympian and four-time All-American from USC withdrew from consideration for a spot on the 12-member U.S. Olympic women’s basketball team because of an injury to her left knee.

Miller, 28, had made the initial cut when the 18 finalists were selected late Saturday night. On Sunday, Miller even said that the knee was fine and that she was ready to play in this week’s mini-camp at Colorado Springs, Colo.

The injury occurred late during last Friday’s morning workout and it kept Miller out of action for the rest of the trials.

“Obviously, the committee saw something and I appreciate them giving me this little grace period,” Miller said Sunday.

Apparently, however, Miller’s knee wasn’t ready in time for Monday morning’s workout and she told Olympic Coach Theresa Grentz of her decision. Miller was not available for comment Monday.

“She realized her body would not allow her to continue to play at a level that lived up to her high standards,” Grentz said in a statement released by USA Basketball.

“She felt (that continuing) was not fair to her teammates, herself and the staff, and that it was in her best interest to withdraw.”

The ending was somewhat similar to her tryout in 1988. Then, Miller was cut when team officials thought her surgically repaired right knee wasn’t ready.

Miller’s withdrawal leaves the Olympic team with seven other candidates at the forward position, among them two-time Olympian Teresa Edwards and 1988 Olympians Katrina McClain and Vicky Bullett.