Last Updated on October 10, 2026 by Candida Lucia
Duke Miles is an American professional basketball player associated with the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA. Born on February 3, 2002, in Alabama, Miles developed into a talented guard through his college basketball career at Troy University, High Point University, the University of Oklahoma, and Vanderbilt University. Beyond his achievements on the court, his family has played an important role in his development, particularly his parents and his late grandmother, Terry Martin, who encouraged him to pursue basketball from childhood.
Duke Miles’s parents are Adrienne Leggitte and Marcus Miles. He also has three brothers named Jaylen, Jonah, and Ricky, according to his official college basketball biographies. His father, an engineer with a basketball background, has been closely involved in his sporting journey, while his grandmother helped introduce him to competitive basketball. Although Miles has openly discussed his family’s influence, he has maintained privacy regarding his romantic relationships, and there is no reliable public confirmation that he has a girlfriend, wife, or children.
Who Is Duke Miles’s Girlfriend?
As of now, Duke Miles has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend. The American basketball player has generally kept his romantic relationships outside the public spotlight, focusing his interviews and social media activity primarily on his basketball career and family.
During his college career, Miles participated in several interviews discussing his childhood, personal challenges, and relationships with his parents and grandmother. However, he has not publicly identified a romantic partner in the reliable interviews reviewed for this profile.
His growing recognition during the 2025–26 college basketball season at Vanderbilt generated greater interest in his personal life, but there is no sufficiently reliable public information identifying a current girlfriend.
Although Miles frequently shares his enthusiasm for basketball and expresses appreciation for the people who support him, he has not made a widely documented public announcement about a romantic relationship.
Is Duke Miles Married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Duke Miles is married.
The basketball player has not announced a wedding or engagement through official basketball publications or major sports interviews.
His current romantic relationship and marital status remain private. The absence of public information does not establish whether he is single, but there is no verified basis for identifying a wife or fiancée.
Does Duke Miles Have Children?
As of now, Duke Miles has no publicly confirmed children.
The former Vanderbilt basketball standout has not announced the birth of a son or daughter, and his official player biographies do not identify him as a father.
Although he has frequently discussed family relationships, particularly the guidance provided by his parents and grandmother, those interviews have focused on his upbringing and professional ambitions.
His public statements about helping others and creating a positive future have generally concerned his personal values and his desire to inspire people facing adversity.
There is currently no verified public information establishing that Duke Miles has children of his own.
Who Are Duke Miles’s Parents?
Duke Miles’s parents are Adrienne Leggitte and Marcus Miles.
Both are identified in his official basketball biographies published by Troy University, High Point University, the University of Oklahoma, and Vanderbilt University.
Miles grew up in Montgomery, Alabama, where he attended Robert E. Lee High School and established himself as one of the state’s promising basketball prospects.
His parents supported his development and encouraged him through the challenges associated with college basketball, including injuries, transfers, and the loss of close family members.
Duke Miles’s Mother: Adrienne Leggitte
Adrienne Leggitte is Duke Miles’s mother.
She is listed as one of his parents in multiple official university athletics biographies, including those from Troy, High Point, Oklahoma, and Vanderbilt.
Although Adrienne has generally maintained a private life, Miles has acknowledged the importance of his mother’s support during difficult experiences.
One of those experiences was the death of his close childhood friend, Jamari Smith, in May 2020.
Smith, a former high school basketball teammate, died in a drowning incident shortly after graduating from Robert E. Lee High School.
The tragedy deeply affected Miles because the two had known each other since kindergarten and had recently celebrated winning a state basketball championship together.
During a March 2026 interview with Sports Illustrated’s Vanderbilt coverage, Miles discussed how he relied on his mother and other members of his support system while processing the loss.
His mother remained among the people he could turn to for emotional support as he continued pursuing his basketball career.
Miles has also demonstrated his appreciation for his mother through a tattoo featuring her name.
According to Sports Illustrated, the tattoo is part of a collection of meaningful designs that includes religious references, basketball inspirations, and a tribute to his late friend.
Although Adrienne’s occupation, educational background, and additional personal details have not been extensively documented in reliable public sources, her importance in her son’s life is evident from his interviews.
Duke Miles’s Father: Marcus Miles
Marcus Miles is Duke Miles’s father and one of the most influential people in his basketball development.
Unlike some relatives who have remained outside the public spotlight, Marcus has participated in interviews discussing his son’s career and personality.
According to a January 2026 Sports Illustrated feature, Marcus lives in Alabama and works as an engineer.
He also has a background in basketball, having played the sport during his college years.
His experience allowed him to provide guidance as Duke developed his basketball skills and learned to navigate increasingly competitive environments.
Marcus has frequently attended his son’s games, especially during his final college basketball season at Vanderbilt.
In interviews, he has described Duke as an energetic, outgoing, and loyal young man with a strong desire to help other people.
Those characteristics became particularly visible when Miles began participating in public speaking activities.
How Marcus Miles Influenced Duke’s Basketball Career
Marcus Miles helped his son develop a passion for basketball from an early age.
According to Sports Illustrated, Duke previously wore jersey number 15 in recognition of his father’s basketball career.
The number became a personal tradition connecting his own athletic development with his father’s experiences.
Beyond the symbolic connection, Marcus has regularly discussed basketball strategy with Duke.
During his son’s time at Vanderbilt, the two frequently analyzed opposing defenses, offensive decisions, and ways to become more effective during games.
Marcus has described himself as someone who enjoys studying basketball, and the shared interest has helped strengthen their relationship.
They also enjoy playing video games and spending time together outside basketball.
In a January 2026 interview, Marcus explained that his relationship with Duke sometimes resembled a friendship between brothers because they communicate openly and share similar interests.
However, he has also remained an important parental figure, offering guidance when his son needed help making major decisions.
Marcus Miles Supported Duke Through His College Transfers
Marcus Miles played an especially important role during Duke’s complicated transfer process in 2025.
After completing the 2024–25 season at the University of Oklahoma, Miles entered the transfer portal.
He initially considered opportunities at Virginia and Texas A&M before eventually deciding to join Vanderbilt.
His decision-making attracted public criticism because he had previously made commitments that did not result in enrollment.
However, according to a detailed Sports Illustrated interview published in January 2026, his father explained that Duke was also experiencing significant emotional difficulties following the death of his grandmother.
Marcus encouraged his son to avoid rushing important decisions while dealing with grief.
Instead, he helped Duke evaluate the opportunities available and consider which basketball program would provide the right environment for his final college season.
Vanderbilt eventually emerged as the preferred destination.
The university offered a playing opportunity that suited his skills and was relatively close to his family in Alabama.
Marcus remained closely involved after the move, regularly traveling to Nashville to attend games and practices.
His continued presence became especially meaningful because Duke was adjusting to life without his grandmother, who had previously been one of his strongest supporters.
Does Duke Miles Have Siblings?
Yes. Duke Miles has three brothers named Jaylen, Jonah, and Ricky.
Their names are confirmed by official basketball biographies from Troy University, High Point University, Oklahoma, and Vanderbilt.
Unlike Duke, whose achievements have received extensive coverage, his brothers have generally maintained private lives.
Reliable sources do not provide a complete account of their individual ages, educational backgrounds, occupations, or personal relationships.
Jaylen – Duke Miles’s Brother
Jaylen is one of Duke Miles’s three brothers.
He is identified by name in the basketball player’s official college biographies.
Jaylen belongs to the family that supported Duke’s development in Alabama and witnessed his progression through high school and college basketball.
However, there is limited reliable public information about Jaylen’s personal life.
His age, occupation, and possible involvement in competitive sports have not been clearly established through authoritative sources.
Although his brother has developed a public career in basketball, Jaylen has not been extensively featured in media interviews.
Jonah – Duke Miles’s Brother
Jonah is another brother of Duke Miles.
His name appears in official player biographies published throughout Duke’s college basketball career.
Those biographies confirm the family connection but do not provide detailed information about Jonah’s individual background.
As a result, his education, professional interests, and personal relationships remain largely outside the public record.
While Duke has frequently spoken about the importance of family support, he has not widely discussed Jonah’s individual experiences in major sports interviews.
Ricky – Duke Miles’s Brother
Ricky is the third brother identified in Duke Miles’s official basketball biographies.
He is listed alongside Jaylen and Jonah in information provided by several universities where Duke played basketball.
Although Ricky is a confirmed member of the family, there are no sufficiently detailed public reports establishing his age, occupation, or other personal circumstances.
Duke has generally kept his brothers’ individual lives private, despite discussing his parents and grandmother more openly.
Does Duke Miles Have a Sister?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Duke Miles has a sister.
His official university biographies consistently identify three brothers: Jaylen, Jonah, and Ricky.
No sister is listed in those records, and major interviews about his family have not established that he has female siblings.
Based on the available official information, his three brothers are his only publicly documented siblings.
Duke Miles’s Grandmother: Terry Martin
One of the most influential people in Duke Miles’s life was his late grandmother, Terry Martin.
Martin played an especially important role in his childhood and helped establish the determination that later defined his basketball career.
According to interviews published by Sports Illustrated in January and March 2026, she supported his basketball ambitions from a young age.
Miles began playing basketball around the age of three and became more serious about the sport during elementary school.
His grandmother helped organize training sessions and introduced him to competitive youth basketball.
She frequently woke him early in the morning for workouts, sometimes beginning training at approximately 5 a.m.
She also helped him participate in AAU basketball, which allowed him to compete against talented young players.
Her involvement provided an important foundation for his development.
Marcus Miles later explained that Terry’s encouragement helped shape his son’s competitive personality and determination to succeed.
How Terry Martin Inspired Duke Miles
Terry Martin was a passionate basketball fan who particularly admired NBA guard Kyrie Irving.
She frequently told Duke that he had the ability to develop skills similar to Irving’s.
Those conversations became particularly meaningful as Miles improved his ball-handling, shooting, and offensive creativity.
Although Terry was also a devoted Auburn basketball supporter, her primary interest was seeing her grandson succeed wherever basketball took him.
She encouraged him to pursue ambitious goals while emphasizing the importance of discipline and perseverance.
According to Miles, one of the most important lessons she taught him was to finish what he started, even when the situation became difficult.
The principle later helped him navigate injuries, uncertainty about his basketball future, and the demands of playing for multiple college programs.
What Happened to Duke Miles’s Grandmother?
Terry Martin died in spring 2025, shortly before Duke Miles joined Vanderbilt University.
Her death was particularly painful because she had been so closely involved in his life and basketball development.
At the time, Miles was already experiencing uncertainty about his future following his departure from Oklahoma.
The loss made it difficult for him to concentrate on important career decisions.
His father later explained that he stepped in to provide additional emotional support and guidance during that period.
In interviews, Miles described his grandmother as one of the people he loved most and acknowledged that her death affected him deeply.
Rather than allowing the experience to end his ambitions, he decided to honor her through his performances.
Why Duke Miles Changed His Jersey Number to No. 2
Duke Miles made an important change when he joined Vanderbilt for the 2025–26 season.
Throughout much of his basketball career, he had worn number 15 to honor his father.
However, after his grandmother died, he changed his jersey to number 2.
The decision was connected to her admiration for Kyrie Irving, who had worn number 2 during an important period of his NBA career.
Because Terry had frequently compared Duke’s potential to Irving’s, he believed the number would serve as a meaningful tribute.
During his final college season, Miles explained that wearing the number helped him maintain a connection with his grandmother’s memory.
He dedicated the 2025–26 basketball season to her.
Duke Miles’s Emotional 30-Point Performance for His Grandmother
One of the most memorable moments of Duke Miles’s college basketball career occurred on March 13, 2026.
Playing against Tennessee in the SEC Tournament, Miles scored a season-high 30 points and helped Vanderbilt secure an important victory.
After the game, he became emotional while discussing his late grandmother.
According to Sports Illustrated, Miles explained that he had been thinking about Terry throughout the day and believed her encouragement continued to motivate him.
He remembered how enthusiastically she would have celebrated his performance if she had been present.
For Miles, the achievement was more meaningful than an ordinary basketball victory.
It represented an opportunity to honor someone who had invested years of time, energy, and affection in helping him reach his potential.
How Duke Miles’s Family Helped Him Overcome Difficult Moments
Duke Miles’s basketball journey has involved significant challenges, including injuries, personal losses, and uncertainty about his professional future.
While playing at Troy University, he experienced multiple concussions that threatened to end his competitive basketball career.
According to Sports Illustrated, he was advised to consider medical retirement because of those injuries.
However, Miles continued working toward a return and eventually transferred to High Point University.
He subsequently played at Oklahoma before finishing his college basketball career at Vanderbilt.
Throughout those transitions, his parents and grandmother remained important sources of encouragement.
His family’s support was especially meaningful after the death of his longtime friend, Jamari Smith.
The Death of Duke Miles’s Childhood Friend
Jamari “Chop” Smith was one of Duke Miles’s closest childhood friends and basketball teammates.
The two had known each other since kindergarten and later played together at Robert E. Lee High School in Montgomery, Alabama.
During their senior season, they helped the school win the 2020 Alabama Class 7A state basketball championship.
However, Smith died in a drowning accident on May 27, 2020, shortly after completing high school.
His death deeply affected Miles, who was preparing to begin his college basketball career.
Miles later honored Smith with a tattoo featuring the number 1000, a symbol connected to their basketball friendship group.
Other members of their championship team also received matching tattoos in his memory.
During interviews in March 2026, Miles credited his mother, teammates, and other loved ones with helping him through the experience.
The loss contributed to his growing desire to encourage other people who experience difficult circumstances.
Duke Miles’s Basketball Career: From Alabama to the Philadelphia 76ers
Duke Miles began attracting attention while playing basketball at Robert E. Lee High School in Montgomery, Alabama.
During his four-year high school career, he helped the team achieve a combined record of 112 victories and 17 defeats.
His senior season was particularly successful, as the team finished with a 33–1 record and won the 2020 Alabama Class 7A championship.
Miles averaged 17.4 points, 4.8 assists, and 3.1 steals per game during that campaign.
He also earned All-State recognition and participated in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game.
Duke Miles at Troy University
After graduating from high school, Miles began his college basketball career at Troy University in 2020.
He quickly demonstrated his defensive abilities and playmaking skills.
During his freshman season, he averaged 8.6 points per game and ranked among the Sun Belt Conference’s leaders in assists.
He continued developing at Troy but experienced injuries that interrupted his progress.
Those challenges eventually contributed to his decision to pursue a new opportunity at another university.
Duke Miles at High Point University
Miles transferred to High Point University for the 2023–24 season.
The move allowed him to take on a more prominent offensive role and demonstrate his scoring ability.
He averaged 17.5 points and 3.6 assists per game while shooting more than 52 percent from the field.
His performances earned him Big South Conference Newcomer of the Year honors and selection to the All-Big South First Team.
The successful season helped rebuild his reputation as a high-level college basketball guard.
Duke Miles at Oklahoma
Following his success at High Point, Miles transferred to the University of Oklahoma for the 2024–25 season.
He played 34 games for the Sooners, averaging approximately 9.4 points per contest.
Although he contributed defensively, his offensive role was more limited than during his previous season.
After evaluating his situation, he decided to enter the transfer portal again.
His subsequent recruitment eventually led him to Vanderbilt University.
Duke Miles at Vanderbilt University
Duke Miles joined Vanderbilt for the 2025–26 college basketball season, where he enjoyed one of the most successful periods of his career.
Under head coach Mark Byington, he became an important scorer, playmaker, and defensive contributor.
During his only season with the Commodores, Miles averaged 16.1 points, 4.5 assists, and 2.6 steals per game.
He helped Vanderbilt reach the NCAA Tournament and secure its first March Madness victory in more than a decade.
His performances also demonstrated the resilience he had developed through previous injuries and personal losses.
Throughout the season, he continued honoring his late grandmother by wearing number 2 and speaking openly about her influence.
When Did Duke Miles Join the Philadelphia 76ers?
After completing his college basketball career, Miles went undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft.
However, on June 27, 2026, Vanderbilt Athletics announced that he had agreed to an Exhibit 10 contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.
The agreement was subsequently recorded by the NBA as a signing on July 7, 2026.
Miles joined Philadelphia’s roster for the 2026 NBA Summer League, where he received an opportunity to demonstrate his skills against other professional prospects.
An Exhibit 10 agreement provides an opportunity to participate in training camp and potentially join an organization’s development system, but it does not guarantee a regular-season NBA roster position.
As of October 2026, Miles is listed on the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers player page, although his long-term roster status remains subject to team decisions.
Duke Miles’s Interest in Public Speaking and Helping Others
Beyond basketball, Duke Miles has developed an interest in public speaking and mentoring.
During his time at Troy University, he took communication courses that helped him discover his ability to connect with audiences.
His outgoing personality and confidence became especially evident during public appearances.
According to a March 2026 Sports Illustrated interview, Oklahoma coach Porter Moser frequently invited Miles to participate in speaking engagements because of his ability to communicate with audiences.
Marcus Miles recalled receiving positive feedback from Moser about his son’s energetic presentation style.
Those experiences inspired Duke to consider a career involving motivational speaking after basketball.
He has also expressed interest in counseling, personal development, and basketball training.
His motivation comes partly from overcoming injuries and the deaths of people close to him.
Rather than allowing those experiences to define his future negatively, Miles wants to use what he has learned to encourage others who face difficult circumstances.
His family’s teachings, particularly the guidance provided by his grandmother and father, remain central to those ambitions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Duke Miles’s Family
Who is Duke Miles’s girlfriend?
Duke Miles has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend. His current romantic relationship status remains private.
Is Duke Miles married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Duke Miles is married or has a wife.
Does Duke Miles have children?
As of now, Duke Miles has no publicly confirmed children. He has not announced having a son or daughter.
Who is Duke Miles’s mother?
His mother is Adrienne Leggitte, who is identified in his official basketball biographies and has provided emotional support throughout his career.
Who is Duke Miles’s father?
His father is Marcus Miles, an engineer and former college basketball player who has helped guide Duke’s development and regularly attends his games.
How many siblings does Duke Miles have?
Duke Miles has three brothers named Jaylen, Jonah, and Ricky.
Who are Duke Miles’s brothers?
His brothers are Jaylen, Jonah, and Ricky. Their names are confirmed by official player biographies from Troy, High Point, Oklahoma, and Vanderbilt.
Does Duke Miles have a sister?
No sister has been publicly identified in his official basketball biographies, which list three brothers.
Who is Duke Miles’s grandmother?
His late grandmother was Terry Martin, who helped introduce him to competitive basketball and remained one of his greatest supporters.
What happened to Duke Miles’s grandmother?
Terry Martin died in spring 2025. Miles honored her memory by wearing number 2 at Vanderbilt and dedicating his final college basketball season to her.
Why did Duke Miles wear number 2 at Vanderbilt?
He chose number 2 in honor of his grandmother, who frequently compared his basketball potential to that of Kyrie Irving.
What is Duke Miles’s real name?
His full name is De’Marquiese Miles, although he is professionally known as Duke Miles.
When was Duke Miles born?
Duke Miles was born on February 3, 2002.
Where is Duke Miles’s family from?
Duke Miles grew up in Montgomery, Alabama, United States, where he attended Robert E. Lee High School.
What does Duke Miles’s father do?
Marcus Miles works as an engineer and has a background in college basketball, according to Sports Illustrated’s January 2026 reporting.
Which NBA team does Duke Miles play for?
Duke Miles signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Philadelphia 76ers in July 2026 after completing his college basketball career at Vanderbilt. His agreement does not guarantee a regular-season NBA roster position.
Candida Lucia is a sports journalist and NBA writer specializing in tactical game analysis, player development, and league coverage. With an eye for on-court execution and team dynamics, she delivers detailed breakdowns of strategy, roster updates, and key performance trends. Passionate about bringing readers closer to the game, Candida offers engaging insights on every aspect of the NBA season, from regular-season battles to the Finals.
