22
Oct
Free Agency
Eran Ganot cryptic on Patty Mills’ Hawai‘i absence
Australian men's basketballer Patty Mills is the general manager of the Hawai'i Rainbows NCAA men's team. Photo: Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images
Highlights
Eran Ganot sheds light on Patty Mills’ remote role as Hawai‘i GM amid NBA free agency uncertainty.
- Patty Mills adds new role to his resume: GM of Hawaii men's basketball program
- Complete guide: Every Aussie in the NBA
- Check out the latest NBA Scores and Schedule here
Cryptic is the best way to describe how head coach Eran Ganot explained why new Hawai'i Rainbows NCAA men's basketball general manager "FIBA" Patty Mills was "checking in from afar" ahead of the 2025-26 college season.
Mills, 37, is unsigned with the NBA season starting today and the rumour mill has been exceptionally quiet with the Boomers champion not linked to any team ... yet.
"Oh, he’s been great. I mean, like we said earlier — he’s not like others, like, he’s all in," Ganot said on the weekend.
"And right now, he would be here every day if he could. So this is the first year he just couldn’t.
"There’s been some, obviously, personal things — nothing negative — he’s just checking in from afar. He can’t wait to get here.
"And in the meantime, he’s been, you know, we probably talk every day, every other day. He talks to our staff, and we’re all on the same page.
"We’re talking about short-term things and long-term things, and I’m really excited about the ideas and kind of this new thing.
"You can whine and complain about the landscape of college athletics today, or you can embrace it, enjoy it, and see how you can navigate your program through it.
"So there have been awesome conversations about the short-term and long-term of Hawai‘i basketball, and it’s been cool, it’s been fun.
"Can’t wait for him to be here — I know he can’t wait.
"Obviously, that’s why he came for that. He had this window, he knew he could be here, so he came.
"We did a great recent, four-day session, which you guys are familiar with, and we’re looking forward to when he comes back in person.
"But in the meantime, he’s been very much active and present."
What those "personal things — nothing negative" are could potentially be finding a landing spot for his 17th season in the National Basketball Association.
Mills was selected with the 55th pick by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2009 before joining the San Antonio Spurs, where he won a championship alongside Tim Duncan and Tony Parker in 2014. He played with the Los Angeles Clippers last season.
He was appointed Hawai'i general manager in June, 2025.
"This role is not only a professional milestone, but a personal one as well," Mills said at the time.
"Despite being from different parts of the Pacific region, as someone from the Torres Strait Islands, I feel a strong cultural connection to Hawaii — our communities share deep respect and spiritual connection to the land, sea and sky and the strength of family and tradition."
Ganot, who has known Mills since their time together at Saint Mary's College, said: "This is a truly special day for our program.
"The landscape of college athletics has changed significantly and continues to evolve more toward a professional sports model.
"Our goal is to boldly navigate these times while staying consistent to the values of our program and the values of Hawaii."
If Mills signs, he'll be the 16th Aussie in the NBA this season while there remains uncertainty about Ben Simmons' future.
