Nathaniel “Nate”
McMillan
Nate was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina to a single mother, Jeannette Tyson McMillan. He was one of six children – an older sister and brother and three younger brothers. He grew up in the 1960’s in Walnut Terrace on the southside of Raleigh. In the 1970’s, when affordable housing became available, Nate’s family was one of the first to move to the Raleigh North Apartments. The continued search for affordable housing would also take them to Chavis Heights, Apollo Heights and near downtown Raleigh off Martin Street. To ensure Nate remained at the same school, arrangements were made for him to live with his cousin’s family in the Raleigh North Apartments.
Even though Nate did not know his father, his older brother, Randy, became his father-figure. With increased responsibility, Randy focused on creating a better life for his family – this was the example that Nate followed. Seeking to be like his older brother, Nate did whatever Randy did, and that included playing community sports – baseball, football, and basketball.
As a student at William G. Enloe high school, Nate was encouraged by his family to try out for the Enloe Eagles basketball team, but he lacked confidence and feared failure. His older brother recognized his skills and as any “father” would do, made him try out for the team. Nate spent the summer before his sophomore year getting up early and practicing every day for hours. All of Nate’s hard work paid off and he made the team. This was a turning point for Nate and helped to propel him into a successful career as a stellar NBA player and coach.
After graduation, Nate attended Chowan Junior College on a basketball scholarship and in 1984, he transferred to North Carolina State University. The Wolfpack were on a high from the 1983 NCAA national championship under Coach Jim Valvano. Nate seized the opportunity to be coached by Valvano and to play with the likes of Lorenzo Charles and Cozelle McQueen. During the 1985 regular season, McMillan lead NC State to a first-place tie in the Atlantic Coast Conference, and to the Elite Eight in both the 1985 and 1986 NCAA Tournament.
Hard work carried Nate all the way to the NBA where he was drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics with the 30th pick in the 1986 NBA Draft. Known for his superb defense, McMillan helped the Seattle SuperSonics reach the NBA Finals in the 1995-96 season. He still shares the NBA rookie record with 25 assists in a single game. Nate played for the SuperSonics for 12 years. After retiring in 1998, he stayed on with the team as an assistant coach and in 2000, he was asked to be the Sonics head coach. His coaching career spans over 23 years and includes stints with the Seattle SuperSonics (1998-2005), Portland Trail Blazers (2005-2012), the Indiana Pacers (2013-2020) and the Atlanta Hawks (2020-2023).
In 2006, McMillan served as an assistant coach to Mike Krzyzewski for the United States National Team. The US team won a bronze medal in the FIBA Basketball World Cup. He was also an assistant coach for the US Olympic Team, winning gold medals in Beijing in 2008 and in London in 2012.
Nate is a firm believer in strong families and giving back to the community, As a fatherless young man who grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina, his hometown community was the natural location to grow his philanthropic endeavors. Through his foundation, his desire to develop mentoring programs to address the issues surrounding fatherless kids can be fulfilled.
In July 2022, the City of Raleigh recognized Nate’s achievements and his long-standing support of the community and officially named the gym at Lions Park Community Center, the “Nate McMillan Gymnasium”.
Nate currently resides in Raleigh, NC with his wife, Michelle, of 36 years. He is the father of two adult children, Jamelle (Lashelle) and Brittany, and grandfather to Micah.
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