"Indigenous" Mills Returns Wiser, Stronger...

[ABM]

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/basketball/freshman-mills-returns-wiser-stronger-20100626-zar9.html

Patrick Mills couldn't help but admire the way Greg Inglis and the Queensland rugby league team went about their State of Origin thrashing of NSW after the racism outcry.

''With all the drama in league recently,'' says the son of a Torres Strait Islander father and Aboriginal mother, ''it was great to see how the Queensland team just kept quiet and controlled what they could. They went out and did the job on the field. I thought that was very classy of them and they've been able to move on.''

Mills, who in January joined the exclusive club of Australians to play in the NBA, has dealt with racial vilification similarly many times before, from his junior days in the ACT, right up to international level.

''I've had problems with racism in basketball, for sure,'' the 21-year-old admits. ''Maybe it's a way for people to try to put you off your game. You're always going to get that and it's really about how you handle the adversity. You've got to let your game do the talking.''

Mills is proud to be an indigenous role model. But his world view goes far beyond the colour of his or anyone else's skin. ''It's not just indigenous people I want to be an example for, it's all young Australians,'' he says. ''Sure, there aren't many indigenous people at the top in basketball and I hope that some people see me out there doing well and think they can do the same thing.''

If people use Mills as a role model, they will be admiring an athlete who is eloquent, measured, dedicated and bursting with talent. The Boomer, whom former coach Brian Goorjian once rated the nation's most exciting basketball prospect, has undergone an immense growth curve recently, having been drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in the cut-throat NBA and playing his first minutes early this year.

In just his third game back from a six-month foot injury, the former St Mary's College star made his debut at the famed Staples Center in California. And, though it was brief, it exposed him to the tough but potentially highly rewarding league in which he hopes to make his name.

''We played the LA Clippers in LA, it was my first run and it was a great place to do it,'' he says.

''Playing at the Staples Center you think about Kobe Bryant, the LA Lakers and how many championships they've won on that floor. It's got a great history.

''I got called up early in the second quarter and, you know, it's your first experience in the NBA and you're coming up against guys who are the best athletes in the world................................

 

[maxiep]

I hate that Mills brought up the honor of playing at the Staples Center. It seems he needs some education on what it's like to be a Blazer. Tell him he may as well root for the All Blacks.

 

[handiman]

That's awesome though that it was a Clippers game and he associated the building with the Lakers. Is it possible to have dignity as a Clipper?

 

[Ed O]

I thought he was from Canberra? Giving props to Queensland in the State of Origin match is similar to a Blazer giving some love to the Lakers.

My Aussie friend was invited to his party a couple of weeks ago and woulda met Patty but she decided not to go.

Ed O.

 

[UKRAINEFAN]

Just saw this post at Blazer's edge from a guy who was at Australia's game against Argentina:

"Just got back into Adelaide from Melbourne last night where the Australian Boomers def Argentina fairly easily



Patty Mills of course was suited up for the boomers running the point (11p, 5a in 20m) and much to a few people around heres surprise was playing a true point guard role. I was lucky enough to be in a court side box, (will be for tomorrows game as well!!) and in the box just to the right of me there where a few guys taking some serious notes on one P.Mills. One was definitely from the blazers, but also the Timberwolves, Spurs, Cavs and Lakers. Twolves and Spurs make sense because Minny need to make a decision on Nate Jawai and Brett Brown, Australias coach is the assistant at San Antonio.

Brett Brown is a very big fan of both Mills and Jawai, and talking to him after the game he said that be believed that they both have a future as NBA players, particularly Mills and that he would have him at the Spurs to back up TP in a heartbeat. He felt that both guys only really needed minutes to prove their worth. I asked well whats stopping you from making it happen. He said that with Mills it all depends on what Portland decides to do with him, that they are trying to figure out a way where in they can sign him to a qualifying offer get him to play summer league, and if that all goes well, either stick him in the 15 spot, or see if any other franchises have any interest.

It makes me wonder on a lower level if the Spurs would trade for him, if so what would they give up? probably not a lot , but there might be a win win situation somewhere.

He also felt that Joe Ingles (SG/SF) and a very young guard called Jason Cadee (whom I'm very surprised St Marys have not signed) were future NBA players."

 

[Mediocre Man]

I wonder if he is as wise and strong as Ime is now?