A new chapter in the history of Mullen High School's boys basketball team is about to begin with the appointment of Chris Crosby as head coach. Known for his prowess on the court and his dedication to player development, Crosby brings a wealth of experience from his past roles at various institutions. His return to Mullen signifies not only continuity but also an ambitious vision to rejuvenate the program, which has struggled to secure victories in recent years.

Chris Crosby, a former standout player who earned the Mr. Colorado Basketball title in 1996 while representing Chatfield, steps into this leadership role with significant expectations. Having previously served as the head coach at Castle View and as an assistant coach at Mullen during two distinct periods, Crosby knows the ins and outs of high school basketball in Denver. Taking over from Roosevelt Leslie, whose tenure followed that of Hall of Famer Bob Caton, Crosby aims to bring back the winning spirit to Mullen’s Mustangs.

Crosby’s illustrious career includes being a star guard at Washington State University, where he was named to the All-Pac-10 team. He also had stints playing professionally overseas and in the NBA Development League. His understanding of both elite competition and developmental pathways makes him uniquely suited to revitalize Mullen's program. The school's transition from Class 6A to 5A starting this season could provide a competitive advantage, potentially aiding in the resurgence of the boys' team.

In contrast to the girls’ basketball team, which claimed the Class 5A championship in 2025 and boasts eight titles overall, the boys have faced challenges since their last title win in 2006. Crosby’s mission involves fostering a culture rooted in resilience, collaboration, and responsibility. By instilling these values, he hopes to restore pride and success to the Mustangs basketball tradition.

Melynda Brown, Mullen's athletic director, expressed enthusiasm about Crosby’s appointment, emphasizing his deep connection to Denver basketball and his ability to inspire players through rigorous training and personal growth. With his background and commitment, Crosby is poised to make a lasting impact at Mullen High School, steering the boys' basketball program toward renewed triumphs.