Aussie basketball legend Andrew Gaze sobs on live TV after Boomers win

Andrew Gaze couldn’t keep it together as he broke down in tears on live TV after one of the most magical moments in Australian Olympic history.

Andrew Gaze was overcome with emotion.

Patty for PM.

That was the call coming from basketball fans who watched a perfect Patty Mills lead the Boomers to their first ever Olympic medal courtesy of a 107-93 win over Slovenia on Saturday night.

The veteran of four Olympic campaigns was sensational as he poured in 42 points in the bronze medal playoff, banishing the demons associated with four previous losses when third place was on the line at a Games.

Blue Wiggle Anthony Field was one of many to suggest Mills take on the highest office in the land.

Patty Mills for PM!

— Anthony Field (@Anthony_Wiggle) August 7, 2021

Patty Mills. The real PM. #Boomers

— Russell Bennett (@rgbennett) August 7, 2021

The man of the hour became emotional when receiving his precious bling on the podium alongside his teammates, breaking down in tears.

“We have been waiting for this moment for a long time. And it’s taken a lot of experiences, a lot of ups, a lot of downs, for us to get over the hump,” Mills told Channel 7. “And it’s our culture, at the end of the day, Australian culture, our Aussie spirit.

“It’s the boys being able to hang together and understand the meaning of what it means to represent your country, and how deep the layers go. For it to just come pouring out in moments like this (is great).

“I don’t know whether to cry, laugh, smile, a lot of emotions.

“It’s time to bring an Olympic medal home, back to our country, Australia, so I can hang it up at mum and dad’s house.”

Andrew Gaze breaks down on live TV

Andrew Gaze was overcome with emotion.

Aussie basketball legends Andrew Gaze and Andrew Bogut swelled with pride at the enormity of what the current crop of players had achieved.

“Sensational, knowing what we have gone through, not even the last couple of campaigns, but the history of the Boomers, Andrew Gaze sitting here right with me, the ups and downs, the fourth-place finishes constantly, to go home with some hardware, what a great moment,” Bogut told Seven.

“Especially when you consider finishing fourth, I’d almost argue (it’s worse than) finishing last, the amount of times we’ve finished fourth.

“So for the boys to fly home, get on that plane, get to see their families, a lot of sacrifice with coronavirus, everything going on with a delayed Olympics, to bring some back some hardware, congratulations Boomers.”

Gaze was just as emotional and broke down in tears on live TV as he explained why the medal meant so much to Boomers who had come beforehand.

“Gee whiz, that man on your screen (Mills), boy oh boy, did he come out with something special for his nation today,” Gaze said. “There’s a lot of people along the way that have got their fingerprints on this historic moment.

“Congratulations to those that are on the floor and had the privilege to be out there like (coach) Brian Goorjian. The big fella here next to me (Bogut) and those of generations gone by (were) just as significant to this win.

“(Former Boomers coach) Andrej Lemanis did a fantastic job and deserves a lot of credit for this as well. Brian Goorjian, what a contribution he’s made to Australian basketball.

“We’ve all been in that situation before and (know) how badly we want it and how much it means to the basketball community and the Australian community. This country expects greatness. We over-achieve, put our blood, sweat and tears into this for providing for the sport, inspiring youngsters, wanting the game to grow. Our Opals have done it for many years. Now to see our men’s team do it, just a historic moment.”

There was plenty of emotion on show Pic: Adam Head

The tears kept coming from Gaze as he referenced his dad Lindsay, a legendary Australian basketball player and coach.

“I think of those that have been along for the journey that have their DNA on this,” he said.

“There’s so many that you look back on that toiled, when you don’t even get a cent for playing the game, when you’re building stadiums, you’re building a sport, you’re trying to generate it.

“For me, I’m so grateful … I’m incredibly grateful.

“Before the game I called up my dad and just to hear him talk about what this means to the sport … how this is going to be good for Australia and Australian basketball, and another tangible bit of evidence to say we have arrived as a sport.

“The values of the Olympics, the spirit of competition, were instilled in me at a very early age and it’s all about getting on that podium and showing the friendship and love, and making sure that you do the right thing by the game and the nation and the pride that comes with pulling on the green and gold jersey.”

Social media loved what it saw from Gaze.

ANDREW GAZE IS CRYING. I CAN’T TAKE THIS. 🥺😍😍😍😍

— Russell Bennett (@rgbennett) August 7, 2021

Andrew Gaze. That was beautiful. What a king #boomers#7olympics

— Dylan Alcott (@DylanAlcott) August 7, 2021

Nawww. Ok Andrew Gaze sobbing about the #Boomers finally getting there, talking about his dad and the people who built basketball in Australia from nothing... This is the best moment this odd end-of-day show has had by a country mile 😭

— Anna Vidot (@AnnaVidot) August 7, 2021

Andrew Gaze out here making me emotional. What a fantastic team. Just so so excellent. #OlympicGames#Boomers

— Jess Coates (@JessCoates4) August 7, 2021

Australia’s Patty Mills love-in

Australia was quick to react to Mills’ heroics as they showered the 32-year-old with endless praise.

The amount of people tweeting their appreciation for his quote about hanging the medal up “at mum and dad’s house” was overwhelming. As good as he was on the floor, that line resonated with Australians everywhere as much as his 42 points did.

Sports broadcaster Peter Hooley tweeted: “Patty Mills is more than just one of our greatest basketball icons, he is one of the greatest human beings we have ever seen! The world is a better place because of him. Can’t wait to see what his future holds. I feel when b-ball ends, his real purpose will begin.”

Sports writer Adam Hill said: “Gee whiz. Patty Mills is an absolute superstar. So well spoken.”

Journalist Patrick Keam wrote: “Damn Patty Mills. Not only a great performance but the way he spoke after about the culture, what it means to pull on the colours and his emotions. Absolute star.”

Make Patty Mills head of everything.

— Titus O'Reily (@TitusOReily) August 7, 2021

What a champion.