Friday and Sunday night have seen two Australian Boomers victories over Argentina in their three-game friendly series. Game One in Perth was an absolute walk-over, whilst Game Two in Melbourne actually saw the home team relinquish a 31-point three-quarter time lead to allow the Argies back in the game temporarily.
Two of the big keys for Australia in their FIBA World Championships preparations have been NBA players Patty Mills (Portland Trail Blazers) and Nathan Jawai (Minnesota Timberwolves). Both have had their injury woes during recent months and both are vying to not only do their country proud in Turkey, but also to secure new NBA contracts for the 2010-11 season and beyond.
According to a recent Jason Quick post on the Oregonian site, “Guard Patty Mills is a candidate for the Summer League team, but Buchanan said the team must first work out a qualifying offer in order to retain his rights.” Now ousted GM Kevin Pritchard had said not long ago on a radio interview that he definitely wanted Mills on the Summer League squad.
On Thursday Night Live, a sports wrap-up show on Australia’s ONE HD network, Patty and big Nate were interviewed this past week. As you can see, Patty is the natural floor general, leader type, whereas Jawai is a little more shy in front of the camera.
