- Name
- Don Mills
- Position
- Center
- Class
- SR
- Hometown (Last School)
- Berea, KY (High)
- Ht
- 6'6"
- Wt
- 185
- Seasons
- 1957-58, 1958-59, 1959-60
- Birthday
- April 8, 1937
Don Mills was born on April 8, 1937, in Clay County, Kentucky, to Clarence T. Mills and Myrtle Carnes Mills.
Mills moved to Berea in the late 1940’s where he was introduced to two of the loves of his life, Kay Baker, who later became his wife, and basketball. While at Berea Community High School, Don led the team to a #1 ranking in the state. He led them to the state tournament in 1955 and was named to the all-tounament team. He played three years of basketball at Berea High, scoring 1,988 points in 91 games for a career average of 21.8 per game. Official records credited him with 24 rebounds per game. His exceptional performance earned him All-State honors in 1955 and 1956, culminating in an All-American senior season in 1956. These accolades led to his recruitment by the University of Kentucky’s esteemed coach, Adolph Rupp.
Mills joined the Kentucky Wildcats in 1956. As a sophomore during the 1957–58 season, he played a crucial role as the first player off the bench for the team famously known as the “Fiddlin’ Five.” In the 1958 NCAA Championship Game against Seattle, Mills stepped up when starting center Ed Beck encountered foul trouble. He contributed nine points, including a decisive hook shot over Seattle’s Elgin Baylor, giving Kentucky a 61–60 lead with 6:08 remaining—a lead they maintained to secure the national title.
Elevated to the starting center position in subsequent seasons, Mills showcased his skills and leadership. In his senior year, as co-captain of the team, he averaged 12.8 points and 12.9 rebounds per game, earning second-team All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) honors from the Associated Press and first-team recognition from SEC coaches. Over his collegiate career, Mills amassed 664 points and 699 rebounds in 71 games, averaging 9.4 in both categories.
Mills graduated from Kentucky on May 30, 1960.
The Syracuse Nationals selected Mills in the 18th round of the 1960 NBA Draft. However, he did not pursue a professional basketball career. He opted to stay local, going into partnership with his father-in-law, Dr. John Baker, at Maroon Lanes Bowling Alley, which he managed for several years. In 1965, Mills began his career with State Farm Insurance Company, where he remained an agent until his death, earning five President Club Awards, along with many other accolades. He returned to basketball, serving as girls basketball coach at Model High School from 1980-1981. Don’s passion later in life was raising and racing thoroughbred horses, which he did for over 40 years.
In recognition of his contributions to sports, Mills was inducted into the inaugural class of the Madison County Sports Hall of Fame in 2022.
Don Mills passed away on December 1, 2023, at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy of athletic excellence and community service.
