Why Patty goes boom for Aussies

Boomers v Italy, Wednesday 6.20pm

INTERNATIONAL basketball means many things to Patty Mills, including the return of that one question his Boomers performances always seem to spark.

As Australian fans rejoice at the arrival of “FIBA Patty” at major tournaments, the rest of the basketball-watching world struggles to get its head around what it is seeing: “Isn’t this the guy who comes off the bench for the San Antonio Spurs?”

“You’ve been asked this so many times in so many ways,” an American journalist said before asking it again. “When you put on this uniform, it just seems like you become a different, much better player. What changes inside of you when you wear these colours?”

Mills had just dropped 25 points in a Boomers win, providing the offensive stimulus Australia so badly needs if it is going to win a medal for the first time in its history.

It was the umpteenth time Mills had done something like that for the national team.

So it was also the umpteenth time he had to address the difference between what he does on the international stage and what he’s made a living doing in the NBA.

“I am who I am,” Mills said. “I think it’s just the roles [are different]. I think that’s an easy answer to that question.”

It’s an “easy answer” because the reason is somewhat obvious.

When Mills plays for Australia, he’s the undisputed No.1 option on the team. Just about the only Boomer who can consistently get, and make, his own shot.

When in San Antonio, he’s a role player who knows his place coming off the bench.

He’s not a “much better” player in green and gold. He’s the same, with a different job.

“How does he manage to be Patty Mills, superstar of Australia, compared to who he is in the NBA?” Brian Goorjian was asked.

“He’s relied upon a lot more here,” Goorjian said. “He has tremendous confidence and comfort with this team and a much bigger role.”