2008 Woodie Awards
Mills wanted 'best of both sides'
Bennett pulls sought-after Mills from Down Under
Frankie Mangini
Issue date: 10/2/07 Section: Sports
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He had the plenty of opportunities to go elsewhere, but Head Coach Randy Bennett, along with Mills' family, convinced him Moraga was the best choice for his future.
Mills entered the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) three years ago at 16 years old. While attending AIS, Mills got to play with fellow Saint Mary's Australian-born juniors, Lucas Walker, Carlin Hughes, and recently transferred Ben Allen.
Upon entrance to AIS, Mills made up his mind that he wanted to play collegiate basketball in the United States.
"I believe the academic side is important to become a professional," said Mills. "[College] gives you the best of both sides, basketball and academics."
Hearing about the success of Daniel Kickert, Saint Mary's all-time leading scorer who graduated in 2006, among other Australians, encouraged Mills' decision to go to school.
With offers from Wake Forest, Virginia Tech and Utah, Bennett was instrumental in getting Mills to Saint Mary's.
Probably one of the most important factors in getting Mills to even consider Saint Mary's was Bennett's ability to build a relationship with Mills' parents, as they were the deciding factor to let him live on the other side of the world for four years. "Coach Bennett formed a good relationship with me and my parents as well…they trust the coaching staff" said Mills.
On his recruiting trip, Mills met his future teammates, and this was very important for him in choosing where he wanted to be.
"[When] choosing a college, teammates were a main part [of] what I was looking for. The players on the team are people that I wanted to play with, live with, and eat with," said Mills. "Great bunch of guys to be around and at the same time as much fun as they are; they are very determined and put a lot of hard work in."
And when asked about the Bennett, Mills said, "From past Australians, Daniel Kickert, Adam Caporn, Bennett is a great coach, all the characteristics of a great coach, at the same time he treats everyone equally. Coming here, I am just another Saint Mary's basketball player. The great coach that he is, he's going to try his best to get the most out of all of us."
Now that Mills is here, he's looking forward to the upcoming season. He is looking to make his strengths, such as his quickness, stronger and improve his weaknesses for the upcoming season. With the personnel here, he feels he has a chance to do just that.
Mills feels his position, point guard, has to be a good leader. Even as a freshman he is hoping to develop into one for the Gaels. But for now, he's looking to contribute through hard work. "I won't hold anything back on the court," said Mills.
When asked about the prospect of his first season with the Gaels, Mills said, "You gotta aim high and the goal is to win the [West Coast Conference]. I really think with the group of guys we can have a good shot at it."
"I'm pretty much excited more than anything to play," said Mills.