Patty Mills

“I have been instilled with culture from such a young age that I know who I am, and I know once sporting is out of the picture, I will have this to come back to and continue the customs and traditions that I've been taught.”

“I'm a culture guy: That's who I am and what makes me tick.”

“I can't tell you how nice and genuine the people of San Antonio are... it reminds me a lot of Australia.”

“Learn that you can stand up for who you are, stand up for your heritage and be proud.”

“The values I have as a person are the same as the whole Spurs organisation and that's why it feels like home.”

“My connections and roots to this land of Australia - the sea, the reefs, the sky, the stars - come from a time and place that existed long before basketball was invented, and definitely long before the Boomers program was created.”

“I'm not a good outdoor shooter, I've come to realize.”

“I want to keep educating the world on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. It's who I am. It's what I know - even more than basketball. To be able to promote it or educate it or teach it in a way, whether it's through cultural centers or dancing or art or anything like that, I think is what I would want to do.”

“I ran track, and my pet event was the 400 meters, and I wanted to be like Cathy Freeman.”

“I made the team for the 2008 Olympics and you're playing the U.S.A. in the quarter-finals and it's like, this is awesome, this is a great feeling. We lose the game. And as a young kid like you don't understand really what that means, you just got your backside handed to you by all-time greats.”

“I believe we've got to be able to make some noise to create change.”

“Just try to make an impact on the game somehow whether it is on the defensive or offensive end. I think that has always been something that I have hung my hat on especially offensively. If it is not the night, then go make a play defensively and get after, dive for loose balls, create a charge, make an impact that way.”

“I'm trying to help inspire kids to achieve their dreams and never give up.”

“My motivation for helping is that I come from a culture that isn't given a lot of opportunity.”

“It's good to be taken out of your comfort zone - it's part of the NBA grind - a challenge I'm ready for.”

“My game isn't defined by points, it's more.”

“Our leadership group has a responsibility to pass on what it means to be a Boomer and play for your country and make sure this program is at its peak knowing the type of talent coming through.”

“I put it on myself to be a role model for all Australian kids, especially indigenous kids.”

“You have games when you miss shots and when you make shots. But knowing you're here for a reason and you're an NBA basketballer helps.”

“I think it's important for everyone to understand that if you have a background and culture... to really use that as motivation to fuel the fire. It brings meaning to what you do. It's not just sports - whether it's in the classroom, in the office or whatever it may be - it just brings passion and excitement out when there's meaning behind it.”