San Antonio and star Australian Boomers guard Patty Mills to bring his Indigenous Community Basketball League up to Darwin

SAN Antonio Spurs and Australian Boomers star guard Patty Mills has announced the opening dates for his groundbreaking Indigenous Community Basketball League (ICBL), with Darwin to be included in the national tour.

Star Australian guard Patty Mills has had an excellent season for San Antonio in the NBA, averaging 15.2 points per game. And in great news for young indigenous players, his indigenous Community Basketball League will soon come to Darwin. Picture: Harrison Barden/Getty Images/AFP

SAN Antonio Spurs and Australian Boomers star guard Patty Mills has announced the opening dates for his groundbreaking Indigenous Community Basketball League (ICBL), with Darwin to be included in the national tour.

The competition will also run in seven other locations, including Thursday Island, Cairns, Logan, Dubbo, Adelaide, Alice Springs and Perth – tipping off on February 7, with a National Tournament set for the Gold Coast in April.

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In August last year, Mills launched Indigenous Basketball Australia (IBA) – a program focused on providing pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to play basketball, just one of many ways the Aussie star is giving back to local communities.

The tournaments not only provide a pathway to the next level in basketball for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, but will focus on preserving cultural practices, strengthening and promoting their individual identity and promote education, health, safety and wellbeing – a first of its kind program in Australian sport.

Australian and Spurs star guard Patty Mills steals a pass intended for Minnesota’s D’Angelo Russell during his team’s 96-88 loss to the Timberwolves on Sunday. Mills stood out with 18 points in that game. Picture: Harrison Barden/Getty Images/AFP

“To continue my efforts as a leader for my people and to follow my family’s legacy of providing legitimate opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through my sport of basketball is the true outcome of my personal success and accomplishments,” Mills said.

“What we will do with the IBA programs and competitions has never been done before and is the first-of-its-kind in this country’s sporting environment. It’s game-changing and we’re creating history.”

The inaugural competition targets under-14s players – a pivotal age for both physical and emotional development, says the three-time Olympian.

“As a starting point, we will begin with the age group of under 14. The early adolescence years are crucial for a child’s cognitive, emotional and social development,” Mills said.

“Our complementary programs throughout the competitions of IBA will support these kids and their communities in embracing their culture and unlocking ones full potential in an environment that is safe and free from any discrimination.

“We want to give them the best possible chance to succeed. As we grow, we will expand to more regions and more age groups.”