Silas Mills enters his first season as Director of Player Development for Utah Valley University men’s basketball.
Mills brings more than 15 years of coaching experience and a decorated 14-year professional playing career to the Wolverines. He has coached at both the college and high school levels, most recently serving as Director of Operations and head coach for BC Elite Basketball Club in Arizona. He also spent two seasons as head coach at American Leadership Academy Queen Creek High School, leading the Patriots to a winning record.
His collegiate coaching experience includes assistant coach roles at Salt Lake Community College and Garden City Community College. During his time at SLCC, he helped guide the Bruins to multiple NJCAA Tournament berths, including the program’s first national championship in 2016.
As a player, Mills began his career at the University of Utah before transferring to Salt Lake Community College, where he played under legendary head coach Norm Parrish. He was instrumental in helping the Bruins to their first NJCAA Tournament appearance and a top-five national ranking. He later transferred to Utah State University, where he played under head coach Larry Eustachy and helped the Aggies to a Big West Conference championship.
Mills went on to enjoy a successful professional career with stops in Greece, Italy, Spain, Argentina, Turkey, and France, in addition to playing for the Yakima Sun Kings of the CBA, where he was named Finals MVP in 2000. His honors include Big West First Team (1995-96), All-CBA First Team (2000), and CBA Playoff MVP.
Mills holds an associate degree from Lassen College and a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Utah State University. He and his wife live in Arizona and have two daughters.
