Master P's new role at UNO fuses hoops, mentorship and hometown hope

Yes, and: This isn't just about wins — it's about restoring a program that once gave him hope, and making sure today's kids can feel that same spark.

• "This is about making a difference," he told Axios. "About education. About catching kids before the streets do."

Flashback: Growing up in New Orleans' Calliope Projects, Miller would watch the "Lake Show" — UNO's golden-era squads — at Lakefront Arena.

• "I saw a winning culture. I want to bring that back," he said. "But more than that, I want kids to know: you can be the next me — or be better."

Zoom out: This isn't Miller's first stint in basketball — he had brief preseason runs with the NBA's Hornets and Raptors in the late '90s.

• But this is his most intentional play yet, fusing legacy, local roots, and life-after-rap.

Zoom in: Master P hasn't disclosed how much he's personally spent, but the upgrades under his watch — from a renovated locker room and practice gym to a new jumbotron at Lakefront Arena — signal real investment in turning around the program.

• "I invested into this program, into this university, into this city — because I love this city," he said.
• "You can't win if you don't have the right pieces. So I thank the university for allowing me to come in and help, not just talk."

Context: UNO men's basketball has struggled for years, hitting rock bottom last season — finishing with just four wins and plagued by off-court issues, including reports of players tied to gambling investigations.

• The team enters this year with 13 new players, a full branding reset, and a leadership overhaul.
• With UNO now under the LSU system and Master P driving both strategy and culture, the program's not just rebuilding — it's being reimagined.

What he's building: Miller's approach is part coach, part mentor, part movement:

• Second-chance students: He says his priority is players who've been overlooked or need a reset.
• Mind over muscle: "Use your brain," Miller tells them. "Without education, how far are you really going?"
• Generational reach: He's pledged to sponsor tickets for 4,000 local middle school students this season, hoping to plant a seed early: You belong here.

What to watch: Whether Miller's off-court vision translates into on-court wins. But in a city where hoops and hardship often intersect, he's betting that visibility — and vulnerability — can shift both.

• "I'm not perfect. But I learned from my Ls. And I want them to see that the next chapter can still be greatness."

Driving the news: UNO's season tips off tonight on the road against TCU — the first real test of Miller's rebuild.

• The Privateers are coming off an energetic exhibition win on Oct. 18 against the Sacramento State Hornets, 89-76, coached by former NBA player Mike Bibby.

• That matchup — organized with influence from Miller and Shaquille O'Neal, volunteer general manager for the Hornets — turned a routine preseason game into a statement event, complete with big plays, brass bands, and a halftime performance by local artist T99ZY.
• TCU, a Big 12 team looking to bounce back from a 16–16 season and a missed NCAA Tournament berth, was picked 10th in the league's preseason coaches poll.
• The Horned Frogs handled Tarleton State and Texas in preseason scrimmages and will look to set the tone tonight at Schollmaier Arena.

Last month, Miller brought his signature energy to the bench — shouting instructions, huddling with players, and drawing courtside buzz.

• After the roadtrip to TCU, UNO has games against LSU, Tulane, Texas Tech, and Houston ahead — a brutal non-conference slate.
• "We probably got one of the hardest schedules in college basketball right now," Miller said. "But we not running from it."

After the win, Guy Jackson, UNO's director of game ops, said he wants to ensure everyone enjoys the whole game experience. Winning back the city takes more than just victories.

• "You could pay $50 for a Pelicans ticket — or come right here and get a fire show and still enjoy good basketball. The game is good, but the entertainment? Off the chain."

Among those in the crowd for UNO's preseason exhibition against Sacramento State was Derrick Allen, an assistant coach with Nike's 15U EYBL program and a former UNO coach.

• "It's good that P is actually coming back here, giving back to the community," Allen said. "Our kids can see where they came from — and where they could go."

Go deeper: Master P is New Orleans' new entertainment ambassador

<br/>