So when Patrick Mills was sneaking into the St Mary's college cafeteria for a free meal to save cash, he knew something was wrong.

The lunch ladies knew he wasn't supposed to be there, but they turned a blind eye.

As much as he hated to admit it, Canberra's Mills could see his NBA dream crumbling before it had started.

Instead of fast cars, magazine spreads and bling, Mills was riding the bus, living out of a suitcase and chasing free meals.

Imagine being 21 years old, unemployed for five months, nursing a broken foot and more than 12,000km away from your parents. You don't know when, or if, your next pay cheque is coming.

But as you start searching for a way to keep your career alive, your life changes forever without warning.

It wasn't like $1million magically appeared in his bank account, but, according to Mills, it was exactly how it felt.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times