Boomers veteran Nick Kay sings the praises of rising stars, NBL guns

Boomers veteran Nick Kay has opened up on why he’s excited about the possible future success of the Australian team and the role he is playing in a side which is consistently changing.

Nick Kay in action for the Boomers. Photo: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images.

Nick Kay is an ever present member of the Australian Boomers set-up and he’s excited about the future of the group’s potential.

Based in Japan, Kay will be part of an NBL led Australian side which takes on New Zealand in a FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian qualifier in Hobart on Friday night.

A two-time Olympian, where he played alongside our NBA superstars, the 33-year-old big man is no stranger to coming into a Boomers camp with so many fresh faces.

And he sees it as refreshing. He pointed Melbourne United rising star and NBA hopeful Dash Daniels as someone he was enjoying playing alongside.

“There are a lot of new guys coming through. Some guys with so much potential and so much opportunity to bring something really extra to this Boomers program,” Kay said.

“For myself to be around that and pass on some of that to the young guys, so they can continue to grow it as well, means a lot.

“I can’t wait to see where these guys take the program in the future. There are a lot of guys who are putting their hand up to show they deserve to be in the big windows (World Cups and Olympics).

“A guy like Dash obviously. He’s got so much potential and he can really impact this group.”

After Friday’s game, the two sides will then travel to Wellington for a rematch on Monday.

They’re also joined by Guam and the Philippines in their qualifying group and are heavily favoured to progress.

“New Zealand is always a tough team to play against,” Kay said.

“They’re a team that plays hard, plays physical and plays together. I feel like they always take a step up individually and as a group when they’re together.

“We’re expecting a really big challenge and hopefully we can put our best foot forward.”

Keanu Pinder, another Aussie based in Japan, was called into the squad after Will Magnay withdrew.

Stand-in Boomers coach Dean Vickerman sadi he was a clear option.

“We think Keanu can be a game breaker,” Vickerman said.

“We saw him in a playoff game have 30 points. I think right now it would have been great for him to be back with Aussies.

“Have the mateship he really enjoys and hopefully it brings the best out of him.

Vickerman: Why ‘feisty’ Ayre deserved his Boomers opportunity

Stand-in Australian Boomers coach Dean Vickerman says Ben Ayre deserves his opportunity in national colours.

The Tasmania JackJumpers guard will make his debut when the Boomers take on New Zealand in a FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian qualifier in Hobart on Friday night.

Ayre was officially given the news before turning out for the JackJumpers against the Sydney Kings on Sunday afternoon.

Vickerman, who is the associate head coach for this FIBA window with usual lead Adam Caporn on NBA duties with the Washington Wizards, said he expected Ayre to be a significant contributor.

Basketball. Jason Smith with Ben Ayre. Boomers training at Kingborough Sports Centre ahead of the game between Australia V New Zealand in Hobart. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“We had him kind of in the squad early and then with Owen Foxwell dropping (out), it was like we needed Ben,” Vickerman said.

“I thought he’s had a magnificent season, the extra opportunities with some injuries at the JackJumpers but his defensive intensity, the way he’s getting other people involved and then he’s got his own shot as well.

“He’s feisty, he’s a competitor and that’s what we want to see in this clash, his ability to make open shots and to create offence for others, the late shot clock and penetrate and pitch to someone else and he has a good understanding of the game and a good understanding of the talent around him.”

Will Magnay was ruled out of the clash due to the bone bruising which saw him miss three games for the JackJumpers.

Although he did return against the Kings on Sunday.

Vickerman stuck by his decision believing he did not make the call too early.

“I think he needs some rest right now and I don’t think it’s best for his body to put through the rigours of what’s going on right now,” Vickerman said.

“Obviously (he) played well in that last game but to do that for another week, don’t think that’s best for him.

“He was the captain of the Asia Cup, he’s been around the group, have him celebrate our captains and some moments, some debutants at a dinner and that’s the part that he’s going to play in this campaign.”

Friday night’s game will get underway at 7.30pm.

Originally published as Boomers veteran Nick Kay sings the praises of rising stars, NBL guns