Former Broncbuster Mills joins Patrick Nee's staff
By Mike Pilosof
Garden City, KS-Head Coach Patrick Nee continues to load up his staff for the 2019-2020 season.
On Tuesday, Nee announced the hiring of Silas Mills as the new assistant men's basketball coach at Garden City Community College.
"I'm very excited to add Silas Mills to the Buster family," Nee said. "He brings a ton of playing experience as well as a National Championship at Salt Lake City Community College."
Mills comes to Garden City after serving as an assistant coach at Salt Lake City the past six seasons.
"The diversity of the town of Garden City is remarkable," Mills said. "I feel like the entire community comes together to support the Broncbusters. I can't wait to become acquainted with not only the college, but to also get to know the community of Garden City."
During his time in Salt Lake City, the Bruins compiled a record of 154-44, winning 78 percent of their games. In 2016, they knocked off Hutchinson as the No. 13 seed to win the program's second national title. He worked under Todd Phillips, who is now an assistant coach at Utah Valley University.
"Silas is an elite recruiter as well as a great player-development coach," Nee added.
Mills has also spent the past six years as the Head Coach of the Utah Basketball Club team, playing in tournaments all over the west coast, including the prestigious Las Vegas Classic.
"His knowledge and experience will be a valued asset to the players and our staff," Nee explained.
Mills is no stranger to Garden City. He played one season for the Broncbusters in 1992 after redshirting a year at Utah. He was highly touted prep player in Milwaukee, WI, leading Washington High School to a state title in 1991 and earning an invitation to the McDonald's All-America game.
"My experience playing at Garden City and coaching at the Junior College level, has helped me relate to the student athletes, mentoring and helping them achieve their goals," Mills said.
Following his one season at Garden City, Mills played one year at Salt Lake City Community College, guiding the Bruins to the National Tournament and a top-five ranking. After that, he spent two years at Utah State, averaging 17 points and eight rebounds per game in 1996. From there, he played a couple of seasons in the Continental Basketball Association for the La Crosse Bobcats and the Yakima Sun Kings, pouring in 18 points and pulling down 7.4 boards per contest during the 1999-2000 campaign.
"I have a great feel for the game and strong communication skills with the players," Mills explained. "My knowledge of the game, coaching basketball, and teaching fundamentals, will help assist players to reach their potential. My desire to recruit talented basketball players and see a potential talents; I feel that I can relate well with others on and off the basketball court."
Mills spent a majority of his professional career playing overseas, spending time in Italy, Israel, China, Spain, Ukraine and France. His best season though came in 2002 with the Gary Steelheads of the CBA, where he averaged 19 points, eight rebounds and four assists per game. He retired after playing one season for St. Chamond in France in 2010, wrapping up a stellar 14-year career.