Patrick Mills - AIS Basketball
One of Australia’s hottest basketball prospects Patrick Mills who plays point guard for St Mary's College in the United States was back in Canberra preparing for the Australian Boomers camp based at the Australian Institute of Sport in June.
Mills, a former AIS scholarship holder, now plays in the United States as point guard for St Mary’s College, which has enjoyed one of its best-ever seasons in the highly competitive college basketball scene. Mills became the youngest person to play for the Boomers last July when he made his debut against Austria at just 18.
'Playing in the United States for St Mary’s College was one of the best decisions I have made in my basketball career,' Mills said.
'It provided a great opportunity to develop my skills and improve my game. I am also getting a good education while playing basketball. I have been really happy with my performance for St Mary's which showed on court by making it to the first round of NCAA.
'I was happy with the way I progressed in the States but more importantly on how the team performed throughout the season. St Mary’s are not renowned for finishing as high as the national top 25 so it was an incredible achievement. The challenge for us now is to go even further next season.
'It’s not every day that you get the opportunity to go to the Olympics, which is why I have been training so hard. It’s a lifelong dream of mine to represent Australia at the Olympic Games.
'It a huge thrill and honour to be named in the Australian Boomers squad. I am happy and excited to be part of the team.
'I came back to the AIS in June to take part in a training camp for the Australian Boomers squad preparing for the Beijing Olympics. I have kept in touch with a few of the boys while in the States but it has been great to see the whole team in camp. We’re a very close knit group and this camp; along with the next 2-3 months leading up to Beijing will be very important for the Boomers.
'A key goal for the Australian Boomers will be to achieve a medal. We face some tough opposition in making the finals. The Boomers have been drawn alongside Russia, Lithuania, Argentina and Iran so that will be tough with European countries traditionally being strong.
'What the AIS has done for me is absolutely amazing, it’s opened up every door for me and I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for this basketball program. I’m indebted to the program and the great coaching staff of Marty Clarke and Paul Gorriss who have been instrumental in guiding me along the way.'
Ken Wallace