[Quality88]

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- At 5 feet 7 and 150 pounds, Dusty Mills was never confused with an NCAA Division I basketball prospect in his time as a reserve player at Noblesville (Ind.) High School.
But his picture did make the newspaper once, thanks to former high school All-American and now Indiana University freshman Eric Gordon. Mills was guarding Gordon (of Indianapolis' North Central High School) in a photo that appeared in The Indianapolis Star after a playoff game last season.
"I got it blown up and sent it to him to sign," Mills said. "I thought he was going to be the only Division I player in that picture."
Think again.
After averaging just two points and 1.7 assists as a senior at Noblesville, Mills has become of the most improbable stories in college basketball. He came to the University of Kentucky as an accounting student and made it through a tryout with 23 others to become a walk-on for the nation's winningest program.
"I'm living a dream," he said. "I came here with no intention to play basketball. I didn't even start for my high school team. But I gave it a try, and they asked me to come back. I'm on a day-to-day contract, but it's really a dream come true."
UK coach Billy Gillispie likes having several walk-ons and said players such as Mills are vital. Mark Krebs, Dwight Perry, Matt Scherbenske, Mark Coury and former Pleasure Ridge Park star Kerry Benson are the other nonscholarship players on the roster.
"Everyone on a team should be able to help you win," Gillispie said. "You have to bring something to the table that gives yourself an opportunity to help your team win.
"I do think that Dusty has something. I don't know exactly what it is yet. It's not height, I can promise you that. But he plays at a high intensity."
(UK lists Mills at 5-7, but the player said he's actually only 5-6 "on a really good day.")
Noblesville coach Dave McCollough called Mills a "spark plug" and the Millers' defensive stopper, but he said no college teams were interested in him.
Mills, who grew up a Florida fan, wanted to go to school in Gainesville but wasn't accepted. He came to UK because of his family's ties to Kentucky. His grandfather, Bobby, is a Maysville native and played baseball at Eastern Kentucky University. His brother, Brandon, is a student at UK.
"He's living a dream that every male in the family has always wanted, including his grandpa," Bobby Mills told The Indianapolis Star.
Dusty Mills told McCollough last spring that he wanted to walk on, but the player thought it was a pipe dream. Mills said he called UK's basketball office to inquire about walking on but never got a return call.
Then this fall, Mills saw an advertisement in the student newspaper for an open walk-on tryout. He ended up being the only player out of 24 to be invited back for a second practice. After that one, he was sent to the compliance office to fill out the paperwork to become a member of the squad.
"My dad told me I had nothing to lose," Mills said. "I guess I stood out. I knew it wasn't my ability. I guess more my hustle. Always as a little kid, everyone says they want to play Division I basketball. I never thought I would, but I'm here now."
The news of Mills' achievement spread quickly to Noblesville, which is just north of Indianapolis. He's had two newspapers articles written about him back home, and he said, "My entire city has fallen in love with me."
"I was flabbergasted," McCollough said. "I was so happy for him, but it just says a lot for his character and dedication. A lot of kids say they want to do that, but only a few of them really every make it."
UK guard Ramel Bradley called Mills "a little jitterbug" and said he's been accepted by the Cats as a full-fledged member of the team.
"He works hard and is one of those guys we need to help us improve," Bradley said. "I can tell you he doesn't back down."
And despite having to pinch himself every now and then to make sure this all is real, Mills said he understands his role with the Wildcats.
"My goal is not to get into a game and hit a three, but when we're at practice I want to play to my ability and make everybody better," he said. "I just need to focus, so I can help the team improve. But it's still a dream, and I don't want to give it up.
"However long this lasts, I just want to keep on doing it."