Basketball World Cup: Andrew Gaze calls for Patty Mills to carry Aussie flag at Tokyo Olympics
Already in discussions for World Cup MVP, star guard Patty Mills has Andrew Gaze firmly in his corner for a prominent role once filled by the Boomers legend at next year’s Olympics.
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Almost 20 years since Andrew Gaze carried the flag for Australia at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, the Boomers great has called for Patty Mills to follow in his footsteps.
Gaze believes Mills’ record-scoring run at the World Cup only reinforces why the star guard should be Australia’s flag bearer at the 2020 Tokyo Games.
“We are lucky in Australia that we have so athletes worthy and Patty absolutely deserves that honour and to be in that conversation,” Gaze told News Corp Australia.
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“I don’t think anyone would dispute that in any shape or form.”
Mills is in the conversation for tournament MVP after producing dominating performances at Cup.
The veteran San Antonio Spurs guard has averaged 22.2 points, 4.5 assists and 1 steal.
Mills dropped a game-high 34 points in the loss to Spain, although he will be kicking himself after missing a vital free-throw in the closing stages of regulation time that would have seen the Boomers win.
Fittingly, he is also the first Australian since Gaze to score 22-plus points in five consecutive World Cup games.
The Canberra-born guard is equally influential with his leadership, on and off the floor.
On the court, Mills is constantly barking instructions.
He is also one of the first players on the court to complete his extensive warm-up with stretches, shooting and mental preparation.
Then there is Mills’ impact off the floor.
He leads the way through his actions, inspiring the rest of the team to follow in his footsteps.
Mills’ impressive form at the World Cup has prompted some fair judges to rate him the best FIBA player on the planet.
The argument can also be made for the Spurs fan favourite to dubbed the greatest Australian player of all-time.
Gaze is reluctant to give Mills this mantle but admits he deserves to share the same stage as other Boomers pioneers.
“I don’t think it is appropriate to compare because when you represent your country we are all in it together,” he said.
“Has Patty done more than what Ian Davies did or Eddie Palubinskas, but he is definitely on the same stage as them.
“He has been fantastic at this World Cup but he was also very good at the 2012 London Olympics when he led the tournament in scoring.
“But Patty has been brilliant at this World Cup. He also brings a lot to the team with his leadership and building a culture.
“Those things are just as important as putting the ball in the hole.”