Mills firmly believes Boomers can reach podium

SAN ANTONIO (2016 Rio Olympics) - There are some tantalizing prospects for Australia's Olympic basketball teams this summer.

The women, as has been the case for the past 16 years, are among the medal contenders. This year, though, there is a genuine belief that the Australia men can finally capture a medal at a Summer Games.

Fans see talent and experience in the Boomers squad. They also hear the declarations by everyone in the side that the aim in Rio is not just to win a medal, but a gold one.

Pat Mills has experienced the last two Olympics. He thinks the chances are as good as they've ever been.

It’s going to be a big shot, a big chance for us with the caliber of players that we have and how young we are as well. I think it’s going to be one of the best shots that we have had in a long time and maybe ever, and we want to make the most of it. That should be very exciting. - Mills

Some of the confidence for the fans and the players is owed to the return of Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut to the line-up. Injuries had dogged him since the 2008 Beijing Games, keeping him off the roster until last summer.

Bogut played at last year's FIBA Oceania Championship and did well. Australia jelled and beat New Zealand in both games.

What struck Mills about last year was the buzz in the crowd. The Boomers hosted the opening game in the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne and the atmosphere was electric. The energy has carried over into the Australian NBL season.

"The last couple of months have been enormous for basketball in Australia," Mills said to FIBA.com. "Sold-out crowds, merchandising, live games on TV, I think it's really huge."

The fans are interested in the NBL teams but also the NBA. Mills and Bogut are just two of several Australians in the world's top league.

"It's good for us as people who represent Australia everywhere around the world that we are having this love from our fellow citizens back home," he said. "I love the dynamic we are on right now, it’s only positive for basketball in my country."

There is also a very popular Boomer in the American collegiate ranks. Ben Simmons is a freshman at Louisiana State University and a possible No. 1 pick at this year's NBA Draft.

There are other youngsters as well that are champing at the bit to get a chance with the senior team. 

"The next generation and the young guys, we got to set a benchmark for them in order to make them understand that Australian basketball is competitive and help them play internationally," Mills said.

It's hard for Mills, who is gearing up for another playoff run with the San Antonio Spurs, to believe that he is just several months away from playing in a third Olympics.

The first two had a profound impact on him. He is eager to return to that stage.

"Amazing moments," he said.

The Olympics are unique, incredible. I learned so much during the Olympics. Not only at a basketball level but also as a human level. Being there and competing with the best athletes in the world and sharing that experience with people from all over the world is a life experience that everyone would like to have. - Mills

FIBA