Vallejo Native Chance McMillian Chases NBA Dream Through G League

The rising basketball star's journey from small-town California to the Santa Cruz Warriors showcases the power of perseverance and mentorship.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:34am

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the movements and actions of a basketball player, with the colors of the Golden State Warriors and Santa Cruz Warriors featured prominently, conceptually representing the journey of a young prospect chasing his NBA dreams.A rising star's journey from small-town hoops to the brink of the NBA, captured in a cubist-inspired illustration.Santa Cruz Today

Chance McMillian, a talented basketball player from Vallejo, California, has taken a remarkable path from his early days breaking Fisher-Price hoops to earning a spot with the Santa Cruz Warriors, the NBA G League affiliate of the Golden State Warriors. Supported by his mother Judy and mentored by legendary local coach Dwayne Jones, Chance honed his skills and developed into a defensive force and reliable shooter, catching the eye of Warriors scouts and earning a chance to showcase his talents at the professional level.

Why it matters

Chance's story is an inspiring tale of perseverance and the power of community support, highlighting how a strong mentorship and unwavering determination can help a young athlete from a small town achieve their NBA dreams. His journey serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring players in Vallejo and beyond, demonstrating that with focus and the right guidance, anything is possible.

The details

After a standout high school career at Jesse Bethel High School under the tutelage of Coach Jones, Chance continued his development at the college level, starring at Grand Canyon University and Texas Tech. His hard work and defensive prowess caught the attention of the Warriors organization, who signed him to their G League affiliate, the Santa Cruz Warriors. In his first season with the team, Chance showcased his unselfish play and scoring ability, earning praise from head coach Lainn Wilson for his eagerness to learn and quick adaptation to the professional game.

  • Chance McMillian first started playing basketball at the age of 4.
  • He attended Jesse Bethel High School in Vallejo, California.
  • Chance played college basketball at Grand Canyon University and Texas Tech.
  • Chance signed with the Santa Cruz Warriors, the G League affiliate of the Golden State Warriors, in 2025.
  • The Golden State Warriors are preparing for their final home game of the 2026 season.

The players

Chance McMillian

A rising basketball star from Vallejo, California, who has earned a spot with the Santa Cruz Warriors, the NBA G League affiliate of the Golden State Warriors.

Judy McMillian

Chance's mother, who played a pivotal role in supporting and nurturing his basketball dreams from a young age.

Dwayne Jones

A legendary basketball coach in Vallejo, who became Chance's mentor and helped guide him to success in high school and beyond.

Lainn Wilson

The head coach of the Santa Cruz Warriors, who has praised Chance's eagerness to learn and quick adaptation to the professional game.

Golden State Warriors

The NBA team that Chance grew up watching, and the ultimate goal for his professional basketball aspirations.

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What they’re saying

“Chance has showcased his unselfish play and scoring ability, and we're impressed with his eagerness to learn and quick adaptation to the professional game.”

— Lainn Wilson, Head Coach, Santa Cruz Warriors

What’s next

Chance will continue to hone his skills with the Santa Cruz Warriors, with the ultimate goal of earning a call-up to the Golden State Warriors and realizing his NBA dream.

The takeaway

Chance McMillian's journey from Vallejo to the G League is a testament to the power of perseverance, community support, and mentorship. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes everywhere, proving that with focus, determination, and the right guidance, anything is possible.