15 best Michigan basketball NBA careers in Wolverines history

13. Terry Mills

Back in the 80s, Terry Mills starred at Romulus High School outside of Detroit, the same school that future Alabama coach Nate Oats would coach at just over a decade later. But Mills became known for his success with the Wolverines, arriving on campus in 1987 and leaving as a national champion three years later. He was the team’s starting center for that title during his second collegiate season and averaged 18.1 points and 8.0 rebounds the following year.

After establishing himself as a dynamic presence, including as the Big Ten’s best shot blocker, Mills was taken with the 16th pick of the 1990 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks, though he’d never play a minute for that team.

His rights were traded to the Denver Nuggets, but it wasn’t until he joined the Detroit Pistons that he stood out. He was the Pistons’ starting power forward in the early 90’s, averaging at least 14 points a season three straight years while also developing into a potent 3-point shooter.

Mills’ ability as a post player who could shoot outside shots wasn’t as prevalent in the game three decades ago. He wasn’t a superstar, but he was an important weapon for the Pistons, unfortunately during an era where Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls finally had their number.

Mills is a former All-American who got a championship ring in college and spent more than a decade playing in the NBA, retiring in 2001 with more than 7,000 career points.