Oklahoma Sooners Guard Duke Miles Suffers Horrific Dental Injury
Oklahoma Sooners men’s basketball guard Duke Miles experienced a gruesome injury while attempting to recover a loose ball during the team’s victory over Mississippi State on Saturday.
The Incident
As Miles dived for the ball, he struck the hardwood floor at Lloyd Noble Center with his face. Graphic images revealed the senior transfer from High Point spitting out pieces of his teeth as agony washed over him while he remained on the court.
Immediate Aftermath
With 6:57 remaining in the game, Oklahoma led 73-64. Despite the injury, the Sooners persevered, ultimately triumphing over the Bulldogs 93-87.
Oklahoma’s athletic trainer, Seth Tisdale, informed the team’s radio broadcasters that Miles had chipped two teeth. "Our team dentist was in [the locker room] when I went to do radio," added Sooners head coach Porter Moser. "His teeth aren’t that pretty right now. He was doing fine when I left."
Miles’ Return
Demonstrating remarkable resilience, Miles returned to the court following the incident. During his 16 minutes of play, he contributed three points to Oklahoma’s victory.
Background and Career
Miles commenced his collegiate career at Troy, playing through his junior season. In 2023-24, he transferred to High Point, where he averaged 17.5 points per game with an impressive 52.8% shooting percentage.
Since joining the Sooners, Miles has started in each of his 27 appearances. His current season averages include 10.1 points and 2.1 assists per game.
Team Status
Oklahoma stands at 17-10 overall and 4-10 against SEC opponents. The Sooners are determined to secure a berth in the NCAA Tournament’s 68-team field.
Conclusion
The horrific injury sustained by Duke Miles underscores the demanding nature of collegiate basketball. Nevertheless, his courage and determination to return to the game exemplify the resilience that drives the sport. As Oklahoma pursues a place in the NCAA Tournament, the team will undoubtedly draw inspiration from Miles’ unwavering spirit.
