HATTIESBURG, Miss. — Former Southern Miss men’s basketball standout 26 year-old Jonathan Mills passed away Monday afternoon in his native Chicago, according to a statement from Southern Miss Athletics. (photo from USM Athletics.) Local media reported Mills was shot and killed in Chicago.
“The University of Southern Mississippi family is truly saddened to learn of the death of former Golden Eagle men’s basketball great Jonathan Mills,” Director of Athletics Bill McGillis said. “Jonathan brought great joy to the Southern Miss fan base through his infectious personality, his passion for the game, his relentless pursuit of excellence, and his tough, hard-nosed, blue-collar style of play. He was a winner.
“Jonathan made immense contributions on the court, in the locker room and in the community. He left an indelible mark on our basketball program and university, and our prayers are with his family, friends, former coaches and teammates.”
Mills helped lead Southern Miss to the 2012 NCAA Tournament, its first since 1991, averaging 9.5 points and 6.1 rebounds per game as a junior. That squad boasted an 11-game winning streak at one point, the longest in program history since 1987-88. Mills was also a two-time Defensive All-Conference USA honoree (2012-13) and earned third-team accolades in 2012.
