Leading up to the FIBA World Championships of Basketball in Turkey this year, the Australian Boomers have gotten a boost with the announcement by Patty Mills that he indeed will be available to play with the team in the upcoming warmup series against international powerhouse Argentina in Adelaide, Perth and Melbourne.
The series will be played from 25-29 June and Mills will be with the Boomers in camp on 20 June in Perth. Argentina is the perfect preparation for the Boomers (sponsored by Golden Star), as they boast a host of international experience and are traditionally one of the favourites to take out any international tournament. Whilst star Argentine and San Antonio Spurs guard Manu Ginobili has had to withdraw from this Summer’s commitments due to ongoing injury woes, in his absence, coach Sergio Hernandez will rely on his veteran players like Luis Scola, Fabrico Oberto, Carlos Delfino, Andres Nocioni, and Pablo Prigioni — all of which carry huge kudos at the international level.
Australia will be without star Andrew Bogut, due to the horrific arm injury he suffered against the Phoenix Suns late in the NBA regular season — thus making Mills’ availability all the more important. Fresh off a varied year which included time with the Portland Trail Blazers (including NBA Playoffs action), stints in the D-League with the Idaho Stampede and time out injured, Patty will be looking forward to getting out and playing and impressing as he did with the Boomers during the Summer of 2008 at the Beijing Olympics.
“The year that I’ve had, I haven’t really had the chance to get out there and play a full solid game for a while so I’m looking to just get out on the floor and get that feeling back. Just trying to get as prepared as I can come the World Championships,” Mills said.
“No question I’m excited to be working with the Boomers again,” Mills said.
“Playing for Australia is definitely my number one choice and being a part of the Olympic camp in Beijing was great so the next couple of years I’m just looking to continue to represent Australia with pride and it’s starting with the Argentina Series.”
The lineup that coach Brett Brown employs will be interesting. CJ Bruton, should he be available, is by rights the best man to start at point guard for the Boomers, as Mills continues to progress to team leader status. Bruton is currently playing some inspired basketball in Puerto Rico, leading his team to a fine record, after coming off a mixed NBL season with the New Zealand Breakers. He has the experience and all-round game to lead Australia to Turkey and this will possibly be his last run around in the national colours. That said, Mills will play a key role for the Boomers regardless, whether it be as the spark-plug off the bench as he was two years ago, or in a small backcourt alongside Bruton, as he occasionally did with Jerryd Bayless in Portland.
The team to contest the Boomers World Challenge against the world number one Argentineans will be announced on June 24.
Ticket details:
Game One – Friday 25 June – Challenge Stadium, Perth
Tickets from www.ticketmaster.com.au or call 136 100
Game Two – Sunday 27 June State – Netball Hockey Centre, Melbourne
Tickets from www.ticketmaster.com.au or call 136 100
Game Three – Tuesday 29 June – Brett Maher Court at The Dome, Adelaide
Tickets from www.proticket.com.au or call 1300 12 10 12
