HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The University of Hawaii men’s basketball coach, Eran Ganot, announced on Monday that Patty Mills will join the Rainbow Warrior basketball program as General Manager.
“There are few people who exemplify what it means to be a caring professional more than Patty,” Ganot said. “We’re fired up and feel fortunate that he’s taken on this leadership role with us. We know his impact will be felt not only within our program but also across our awesome University and island community.“
In this newly created role, Mills will support student athlete mentorship and development while contributing to key areas, including recruiting, fundraising, and community engagement.
Mills is an Indigenous Australian, five-time Olympian, and NBA champion, with a 16-year NBA career.
In addition to currently playing for the Los Angeles Clippers, Mills is also a longtime resident of Hawaii, having spent the past decade living on Oahu’s North Shore during the NBA offseason.
In 2019, he got married in Waimea Valley, a place that now holds special meaning for their family.
“I’m deeply honored to join the University of Hawaii basketball program as the new General Manager.” Mills said. “This role is not only a professional milestone, but a personal one as well. 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.”
Off the court, Mills is globally recognized for his advocacy and philanthropic work, particularly with Indigenous communities in Australia.
“This is a truly special day for our program,” Ganot said. “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. Having immersed himself in the island culture for the last decade, Patty shares those values and his love for the islands is abundantly clear.”
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