In two seasons as a member of the Southern Miss basketball program from 2011-13, forward Jonathan Mills made an impression based on how hard he played the game. Monday afternoon it was reported that Mills was shot and killed in Chicago, not too far away from his alma mater of North Lawndale High School.
Before attending Eastern Utah CC and Southern Miss, Mills plied his trade at North Lawndale where he helped the school win a state title in 2008 and the Chicago Public League title as a senior in 2009. North Lawndale HS coach Lewis Thorpe told the Chicago Tribune that he and Mills had plans to work out at the school Monday afternoon, only for Thorpe to receive a phone call from his nephew informing him of Mills’ death.
Mills was going through workouts with his high school coach in preparation for a move overseas to play professionally.
The coach said he heard from witnesses at the scene that Mills had gone to a corner store with some friends and, when they came out, a car drove up and someone inside shot him.
“I’m so messed up. I am so shocked,” he said. “When I say he was well liked…everybody loved him.’’
Thorpe said Mills called him “Pops” when he coached him in high school.
After word of Mills’ death made the rounds many paid tribute to him via social media including Donnie Tyndall, who coached Mills at Southern Miss.
Sad news to reports former Southeren Miss, North Lawndale HS And #MacirvinFire star Jonathan Mills was shot and killed today. #RipJMills
— Mac Irvin Fire (@TheMacIrvinFire) July 25, 2016
Jonathan Mills was an incredibly tough player, one of the best rebounders I've ever covered. Had a big personality, wicked sense of humor
— Michael O'Brien (@michaelsobrien) July 25, 2016
No one ever has, or ever will ever play a basketball game harder than Jonathan Mills. #RIPBrotha #Gone2Soon pic.twitter.com/CNYfxpXSWP
— Jamie Chapman (@JChapman_15) July 25, 2016
Jon Mills came straight from prom, slept in a white tux in the airport & outplayed Derrick Favors as a 6-5 forward. pic.twitter.com/ms6gN5aklo
— Scott Phillips (@phillipshoops) July 25, 2016