Master P, the Unpaid Coach Who Made a Difference in New Orleans

Master P brought his basketball knowledge, business experience and resources home to New Orleans, helping UNO achieve a major turnaround while investing in the next generation.

The No Limit Records founder invested his time, resources and basketball knowledge in student-athletes in his hometown.

Master P built No Limit Records through independence, discipline and an unwavering belief in ownership. Decades later, the Hip-Hop mogul brought that same mentality home to New Orleans and applied it to college basketball.

Percy “Master P” Miller joined the University of New Orleans as president of basketball operations in February 2025. Known to the players as Coach P, he served without pay, bringing years of basketball experience, business expertise and a genuine desire to help young athletes succeed.

The New Orleans native immediately went to work.

Coach P contributed to recruiting, fundraising, marketing, NIL opportunities and community outreach. He worked alongside the head coach and staff to develop players while bringing greater attention, energy and visibility to UNO basketball.

His role was about much more than putting a recognizable celebrity on the sidelines. Coach P brought decades of experience mentoring young athletes through the P. Miller Ballers, his successful AAU basketball program.

The program helped develop future NBA players, including DeMar DeRozan, Brandon Jennings, Lance Stephenson and Jalen Suggs. Coach P’s sons also played for the Ballers, making basketball development a longtime family commitment.

Coach P understood the game from a player’s perspective as well. He competed in college and professional basketball and earned opportunities with the Charlotte Hornets and Toronto Raptors.

At UNO, he combined that basketball knowledge with the work ethic, business instincts and out-of-the-box thinking that helped him build the successful, nontraditional No Limit empire.

His influence could be seen throughout the program. Coach P used his resources and relationships to help renovate the locker room and practice gym, giving the players an improved environment in which to train, prepare and grow.

That work produced memorable moments on the court.

UNO finished the 2025–2026 season with a 15-18 record and placed fifth in the Southland Conference, increasing its win total from four the previous season to 15. The Privateers opened the season with a 78-74 upset over TCU before defeating crosstown opponent Tulane, 85-63.

The team also earned a victory in the opening round of the Southland Conference Tournament.

Coach P stepped down after completing his one-year commitment as the University of New Orleans transitioned into LSU New Orleans. He left the basketball program in a stronger position, with greater visibility, additional resources and momentum toward a larger budget for the following season.

His impact extended beyond the final record. Coach P brought energy, experience and opportunity to the program while emphasizing education, leadership, accountability and life after basketball.

That commitment continues through the Team Hope Foundation, a nonprofit founded by Percy Miller to create transformative opportunities for inner-city youth.

Team Hope supports young people through education, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, sports, music, mental-health resources and leadership development. Its programs are designed to help the next generation become confident leaders and positive change-makers in their communities.

Coach P’s season at UNO showed that making a difference is not always about receiving a title, a paycheck or recognition. Sometimes, it is simply about showing up, sharing what you know and investing in the people who will lead the next generation.

Those interested in supporting Coach P’s ongoing mission can learn more, donate, volunteer or explore partnership opportunities at TeamHopeFoundation.org.

Related