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- By Native News Online Staff
From June 16 to 18, Navajo Technical University (NTU) hosted student-athletes from across the region as they competed for a place on the Men’s Skyhawks Basketball Team. Under the leadership of Head Coach Michael McMillan and with support from current players, the tryouts challenged participants both physically and mentally—testing their endurance, skills, and determination.
Coach McMillan, a proud member of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, focused on finding athletes prepared to excel at the collegiate level. Over the course of three days, players went through intensive drills aimed at evaluating shooting accuracy, ball handling, decision-making, and on-court awareness. Scrimmages provided an opportunity to assess how well athletes performed under game-like pressure. Beyond athletic talent, Coach McMillan also looked for qualities like teamwork, coachability, and a strong, positive mindset.
“We had 24 high school athletes try out for the upcoming season,” said Coach McMillan. “Each athlete brought great energy and talent to the court, and it was a tough decision. In the end, I selected 10 athletes who I believe will contribute to the success of our program. We’re excited for the season and hope to see the community out supporting the Skyhawks at our games.”
Coach McMillan lives in Crownpoint, NM, with his wife Joycilene and their three children—Amaya, Kordell, and Miley.
The NTU Men’s Basketball Team remains dedicated to competing at high levels in conference, regional, and national tournaments. With a legacy of excellence, NTU Athletics continues to promote sportsmanship, academic achievement, and competitive spirit in alignment with the university’s mission.
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