By Stephen Tsai Star-Advertiser
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Patty Mills, a combo guard who recently completed his 16th NBA season, is joining the University of Hawaii men’s basketball team as the general manager, UH head coach Eran Ganot announced earlier this week.

Mills will “support student-athlete mentorship and development while contributing to key areas, including recruiting, fundraising and community engagement, ” Ganot said in a news release.

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Mills, an indigenous Australian, won an NBA title with the San Antonio Spurs in 2014, and played for Australia in five Olympics. He was the top scorer in the 2012 London Games, averaging 21.2 points per contest. Mills played this past season with the Los Angeles Clippers and is expected to continue his pro career.

Mills, who owns a home on the North Shore, has been recognized for his community and charitable contributions.

“He’s doing this as a volunteer,” UH coach Eran Ganot said in announcing Mills as the ’Bows’ new general manager.

A GM is the latest trend in college sports, with programs often turning to high-profile personalities to oversee scouting, recruiting, name-image-likeness deals, and fund-raising. Former All-Pro quarterback Andrew Luck is the football general manager at Stanford, his alma mater. NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal is basketball GM at Sacramento State, where his son Shaqir is entering his senior season.

Ganot said the Australia-reared Mills is an ideal choice to be the ’Bows’ GM because of his basketball knowledge, global popularity, wide contacts and affinity for the people and culture of the Aloha State.

Mills and his wife were married at Waimea Bay in a ceremony attended by many family members and friends from Australia.

His MVP trophy from the 2007 Rainbow Classic is stored safely on a mantel at his parents’ house in Australia. He also has a Hawaii driver’s license.

“He’s here for the right reasons,” Ganot said. “He’s part of Hawaii. It’s in his blood. It’s in his heart.”

Mills said: “It’s a true honor to step into this role. I definitely don’t take it lightly.”

Ganot said the partnership “just came naturally, organically, genuinely. We’ve known each other for a long time.”

When Ganot was on Saint Mary’s staff, a 15-year-old Mills shredded the Gaels during an exhibition tour in Australia. Mills eventually signed with Saint Mary’s, playing two seasons, while Ganot was an assistant at UH, But they became reacquainted during alumni functions.

When Ganot was named UH head coach ahead of the 2015-16 season, Mills bought a house in Hawaii. Mills attended UH-sponsored camps. Through the years, according to Ganot, “we talked about ideas and, at the same time, with what’s been going on with the landscape of college athletics.” When it was decided to add the GM’s position, Mills was the overwhelming choice.

“His character is off the charts,” Ganot said. “His talent’s off the charts. He wants to be here. He’s immersed himself in the culture. He’s going to be involved in student-athlete mentorship.”

After earning more than $85 million during his NBA career, Mills will be helpful in guiding players through NIL opportunities.

“Think about our guys getting contracts now,” Ganot said. “They get to talk with a guy who’s been in professional ranks for 16 years.”

Mills also can use many of his mentors, such as Gregg Popovich, the San Antonio Spurs’ new team president, as resources. Mills credits Popovich, his former coach, for setting examples “when it comes to basketball, when it comes to winning culture.”

Mills will balance his basketball career with his UH work. He hopes to play in the 2028 LA Summer Olympics. Mills is fifth in scoring in Olympic basketball history, ahead of Manu Ginobili and Kevin Garnett.

Mills said his “roots trace back to the sands of the desert and the salt water of the Torres Strait.” He has found that same emotional attachment to Hawaii, a connection he wants the ’Bows to embrace.

“I believe when young people are proud of where they come from, like myself, or they’re proud of the school they go to, that’s when they perform their best,” Mills said.