But with the Beijing Olympics just 14 days away, Canberra-born Mills said he loved calling the shots from point guard in his new role directing the Australian Boomers' big-men around the court.

''A couple of years ago I would have said it was scary and it definitely wouldn't be something I wanted to do,'' Mills said from the Boomers camp on the Gold Coast.

''They're older, wiser and more experienced and there's no way I would have done it.

''But it's a challenge I'm keen for and they respect my leadership on the court but once we get off they're definitely the senior ones again.''

And who could blame him? The AIS graduate is the youngest member of the team at 19 and centre Bogut casts an imposing shadow over his 181cm frame.

Despite Bogut having just signed a $76 million contract extension with NBA club the Milwaukee Bucks, Mills said the 214cm superstar was just another part of the team.

''He's Australian mate,'' Mills said of Bogut's attitude toward the Boomers. ''He doesn't get caught up in any of that stuff that the Americans do.

''He's a great guy on and off the court and he has been taking time out of his own game to help us all learn especially me.''

Earlier this year Mills completed his freshman year at Californian college St Mary's, averaging 14.8 points per game.

Bogut completed two years at the University of Utah before being the No1 NBA draft pick in 2005.

While Mills exploded onto the college scene and was named in the West Coast Conference team as a freshman, Bogut did not show his potential until his second year.

Touted as the long-term dynamic duo for the Boomers, their college experience has given Mills and Bogut a chance to connect.

''The comradeship is definitely an important part of success and we need that between point guard and centre,'' Mills said.

The Boomers depart for China on Sunday for the FIBA Diamond Ball tournament ahead of the Olympics.