The Perth Wildcats are pleased to welcome former Director of Scouting at Philadelphia 76ers Danny Mills as its General Manager of Basketball Operations.
Mills’ primary role will be to oversee the basketball department, with a particular focus on recruitment, talent identification and player pathway strategy and development.
Mills was born and raised in Perth and played juniors for both Wanneroo Wolves and Willetton Tigers. He was an eight-time WA State Team representative, a Perth Wildcats training squad member in 2002-03 and played college basketball at Oregon Tech from 2004-07.
Mills has 12 years of world-wide basketball experience, working at all levels, including college, Europe, G-League, NBA and National teams, and will bring NBA level scouting processes and systems to benefit the organisation, helping to solidify the Perth Wildcats as a destination club for local and overseas players.
He comes with seven years of NBA experience with the Philadelphia 76ers and has a unique understanding of the global basketball marketplace, having scouted in the US and all around the world.
Mills said he’s looking forward to getting back to his hometown.
“From growing up in Perth as a Wildcats fan, leaving home to go play college basketball in the States, and coaching overseas to then work in the NBA for seven years and now coming home to a club like the Wildcats in this role is humbling. It's a dream come true and an honour to lead the basketball operations of the Perth Wildcats and I take that responsibility incredibly seriously."
“It’s a newly created role and one where I feel I can add significant value in terms of having a vast network of relationships in all corners of the basketball world. In addition, having a deep understanding of the global basketball marketplace, staying ahead of the curve with regards to the way the game in trending, and a fluency in how basketball players around the world can translate to the NBL, will only aid to our efforts in building the most sustainable model of success in Australia."
Mills is excited by the current Australian basketball landscape and the pathways available for young, talented players to reach their potential in the NBL.
“It’s incredibly exciting and one of the most attractive aspects of coming home and taking a role like this. Australian basketball is continuing to get even stronger, if you look through all of the juniors who are coming through now, the amount of kids who have NBA aspirations and upside, it’s real. It's very realistic for kids to come through an Australian junior system and play in the NBL and realise their dreams of playing in the NBA and for our senior national team.”
Perth Wildcats CEO Troy Georgiu is thrilled to have Mills come on board ahead of the 2021/22 season.
“We are absolutely delighted to be able to secure the services of Danny. He is someone that we have had on our radar for a number of years now and couldn’t be happier that we have been able to bring him on board. Danny has a high basketball IQ and is incredibly well respected within the basketball industry, and his relationships with clubs, players and agents around the world is second to none. He is also a home-grown Perth boy, so it’s wonderful to be able to have him return home and help further strengthen our basketball department.”
“His appointment will position the Perth Wildcats at the forefront of recruiting and innovation in the NBL and we’re excited for him to get started.”
Mills will arrive in Perth in the coming weeks and will help oversee and participate in the ongoing process of recruiting a Head Coach.