Mills provides a spark for Australia

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Aug 12, 2008 | by Jeff Faraudo

BEIJING -- He couldn't get the Australian basketball team a victory at the Olympics on Tuesday, but St. Mary's College sophomore Patty Mills delivered a performance that got the attention of an NBA star.

"He's a very dangerous player," said Manu Ginobili after Argentina's 85-68 victory. "He's quick, he's got a nice shot, he's smart and he's young, so he's going to be a great player."

Mills scored 22 points and was the Aussies' lone bright spot as the squad slipped to 0-2 in the Olympic tournament.

"We've got a lot of guys tied in knots right now. He's one guy that's loose and enjoying the games and playing from the seat of his pants," Aussie coach Brian Goorjian said. "Hopefully, it catches on to a few of the others after tonight."

Mills, who had nine points in Australia's loss to Croatia in their Olympic opener, couldn't help the Boomers overcome an early 20- 3 deficit. But he provided a lift off the bench, especially in the second half when he pushed the pace and scored 18 points.

"That's my role, coming off the bench and bringing energy," he said. "I'm disappointed with the result but you try to bring a positive out of the loss."

The chance to face Ginobili, a star with the San Antonio Spurs, and Argentina's other NBA players was a thrill.

"It's a big high for me and a good challenge," Mills said. "At the end of the day, they're the greatest players in the world and to see where you're at, you need to play against them. It was a good experience for me."

Goorjian said Mills' skills were well-suited for Australia's attempts to rally, although his offense and defense need improving in half-court situations.

"We got desperate and Patty's the one guy who can make plays in the open court and can loosen the thing up. He doesn't need structure," Goorjian said. "When you're 15 down and you're not executing half-court play after half-court play, his style of game and how it was played today after the first quarter suits him. I was very pleased with Patty's effort."

Contact Jeff Faraudo at jeffscribe@aol.com.