Australian men’s basketball’s jack-of-all trades, Joe Ingles, should keep his phone switched on 24 hours a day over the next few weeks.

That’s the call of Boomers coach Brett Brown who believes the NBA scouts will be ringing his charge seeking his services.

While Patty Mills has almost been the best player of the London 2012 basketball tournament, it was the rise of Ingles that has the Australian game excited.

Ingles proved his worth against the best combination on the planet in Wednesday’s Olympic Games quarter final against Team USA.

It certainly wasn’t Ingles’ fault the Boomers slipped to a 119-86 loss at North Greenwich Arena, ending their hopes of a breakthrough medal in the premier series.

The 24-year-old is already close to the top of the sport, plying his trade with Spanish powerhouse FC Barcelona in a league considered second only to the NBA.

However, after throwing in 19 points and pulling down eight rebounds to spark Australia’s challenge to the Americans, Brett Brown, an assistant coach with San Antonio Spurs, believes higher honours beckon for the product of Adelaide.

“He has been with me for four years and I’ve seen the emergence of him defensively where he has tried to take far more personal pride in guarding people,” Brown said.

“He has a body like (Detriot Piston forward) Tayshaun Prince, just long, left handed and multi-faceted. He played some point-guard for us, he has played some in the four spot. He has a high skill package for his size.

“Joe has a perceived aloofness and seems loose the way he plays at times but it is deceptive. There is a competitive spirit and a desire to guard.

“His future is on the up and up. I think the NBA will pay attention especially after these Olympic Games.”

Brown has also forecast better things for Mills, who after six matches in London 2012 had more points (127) than any other player in the competition. Argentina’s Luis Scola, who is tied to Phoenix Suns, is second with 118 points.

Mills’ 26 points and energy with the ball troubled the Americans in the quarterfinal.

Through coincidence Brown works extensively with Mills as an assistant coach of San Antonio Spurs. The 23-year-old joined the club during the recently-completed abbreviated NBA season.

But Mills has played second fiddle to Spurs gun Tony Parker, who also bowed out of the Olympic tournament on Wednesday with France’s loss to Spain.

Brown expected Mills to have greater responsibilities next season.

“I think he is and more importantly I think Pop (Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich) thinks he is (ready for bigger role),” Brown said.

“When you watch him grab a game and have 39 points (against Great Britain) when we’re down 15 against the host nation about to bumped out of the tournament (it’s impressive).

“His level of commitment is tremendous. He dropped weight. He wasn’t overweight to begin with but his skin folds and fitness level went to a higher level. We thought it would increase his speed and pace and enable him to pick up the ball full court.

“I think he had a great tournament, I think he is learning how to be a point-guard and a leader.

“I feel like he can contribute at a higher level in San Antonio after really only three months with us last year. To come back for a full season next year I know he is looking to that and I know Parker is looking forward to giving him that opportunity.”