Miller, 6-foot-7, 223 pounds, also didn't mind Gillispie's ""boot camp," a fall conditioning program condensed into an eight-day period before the start of preseason workouts.
"It was a good experience," he said. "It made me better as a person and as a player. I feel better mentally and physically."
Although he shares a friendship with Lofton, Miller said the styles on the court differ and doesn't want to emulate the former University of Tennessee standout.
"We're two different players, but I look up to Chris," he said. ""He's like a big brother. I don't feel any pressure at all. We really don't talk about basketball . We talk about normal stuff."
Miller wore No. 21 in high school, but chose No. 1 as he opens a new chapter in his playing career.
"There was not a specific reason (for the change in numbers)," he said. "I didn't pick that number, it just came to me. It was a not big deal to me about which number I have. I am just happy to have a jersey to wear."
'He's done nothing but win'
Because of his credentials and his versatility, Gillispie plans to utilize Miller as much as possible in his first season with the Wildcats.
"I see (Darius) playing a big role for us," the second-year Kentucky coach said. "He has a great understanding of the game and he has to adjust to the pace of the game at this level. He's a very intelligent person and a very competitive person."
In addition to Miller's physical abilities, Gillispie likes Miller's ability to learn and yearning to get better.
"I think he'll understand what is necessary to do in order to get a lot of playing time. He has the intelligence and skills. He has the body and size. He's a state champion. He's done nothing but win. He comes from a great program with a great coach. His dad was a great player. He has a lot of things going for him."
Gillispie also likes Miller's desire and intensity in practice, but added that his demeanor is equally impressive.
"Most importantly he is a great person that really wants to play. I really expect a lot from him as a freshman," he said. "I think up to now when you have a little bit of structure, but not a lot of practice time that you don't see the best of (Darius).
"I think you see the best when you get into structure and when you have to have a better understanding of the game. Some players do better in that and some don't. I expect that as the game and practice gets more complicated that he will step to the forefront quite a bit more than he has so far."
