Under the direction of Josh Mills, North Lake’s head men’s basketball coach, the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division III champions received their well-earned, shiny rings to commemorate their hard work over the 2023-2024 season.
An overwhelming amount of enthusiasm filled the air as athletes and coaches waited while Dr. Christa Slejko, North Lake Campus’ outgoing president, and Dallas College Chancellor Dr. Justin Lonon presented the rings to the players and coaches as their names were announced.
“I’m really happy to be here where I went to school, and I’m able to help players, you know, try to make their dreams come true, to get to move on to four-year schools and get scholarships and maybe play professionally someday,” Mills said.
Mills was also honored as NJCAA Div. III Coach of the Year for the award-winning season. The prior year, Mills led the Blazers to the NJCAA Div. III South Central District championship. The team was ranked No. 2 for most of the season. As assistant coach in 2022, Mills played a pivotal role in taking the team to the NJCCA Div. III national championship under coach Tim McGraw.
“We have more national championships for men’s basketball than any other junior college in the country.
This program is a great opportunity for players to be showcased, to move on, and to have a chance to win and succeed,” Mills said. “I do things the exact same way that has won in the past. It’s just trying to get this team to be as successful as those last two.”
Mills is not shy about voicing his desire to win as he constantly inputs a vigilant and disciplined mentality into each player who can be a part of this program.
When recruiting new talent, he has a clear and methodical approach.
“I look for size, athleticism, skill, and coachability,” Mills said. “I take a lot of recommendations from people I trust who know the players personally before I begin recruiting, and, as time progresses, I make my own evaluations.”
By combining trusted recommendations with his own thorough assessments, Mills ensures that every player he brings into the program fits seamlessly into the Blazers’ winning culture.
For aspiring athletes, Mills emphasizes the importance of passion and commitment when it comes to playing college basketball.
“If you plan to play college level, you have to really love basketball. You can’t just like it—you have to live for it,” he said.
Mills acknowledged that while the game can be fun, it’s also a serious commitment and often more demanding than players expect.
“My job is to teach them the reality of what it takes to win and succeed, preparing them for the next level, which will be even tougher,” he added. By fostering resilience and adaptability, Mills equips his players to thrive both on and off the court.
