Boomers star Patty Mills says he hopes his side inspired Australian kids to dream big

PATTY Mills is not content with putting Australian basketball back on the map because his “dream big” mindset extends to a fourth Olympics in Tokyo in 2020.

Boomers star Patty Mills at Brisbane airport on Wednesday.

PATTY Mills is not content with putting Australian basketball back on the map because his “dream big” mindset extends to a fourth Olympics in Tokyo in 2020.

The Boomers guard flew into Brisbane yesterday for a brief stay with his parents before heading to the US.

The ache from the near-miss Olympic campaign in Rio will be there all the way to his first NBA pre-season game in Phoenix on October 3 with the San Antonio Spurs.

“It hurts and it should but it fuels the fire for the next campaign,” Mills said.

Boomers star Patty Mills at Brisbane airport on Wednesday.

“When we could have been down and out after the loss to Serbia (in the semi-final), we fought hard for a medal which came down to one defensive stop not going our way.

“The pride and passion was great.’’

Mills will be 32 in Tokyo which makes age no hurdle because Spurs pal Tony Parker led France from point guard at 34 in Rio.

“Tokyo is a long way away but because Australia’s best play around the world, preparation starts a lot sooner and you would want guys to buy into the process almost next year,” Mills said.

“Hopefully, we inspired a lot of kids in Australian basketball to dream big, and those beyond our sport as well.’’

Originally published as Boomers star Patty Mills says he hopes his side inspired Australian kids to dream big