Paris Olympics Boomers hopeful Nick Kay opens door to NBL return

A return to Australian shores could be on the cards for Boomer Nick Kay, with the dual NBL champion to re-evaluate his options at the end of his current deal, reports JESSICA ROBINSON.

A return to Australian shores could be on the cards for Boomer Nick Kay, with the dual NBL champion to re-evaluate his options when his contract in the B-League is up at the end of next season.

Having just wrapped his third campaign with Shimane Susanoo Magic, Kay has re-signed for 2024/25 after nothing but a positive experience in the Japan league, but after becoming a dad for the first time, he says the lure of coming home could see him return to the NBL.

And being back in Australia for the B-League off-season and for the Boomers pre-Olympic training and exhibition matches has been a sweet reminder of what he’s missing at home.

“I’ve been there (Japan) a few years now, I love it, the culture is unreal, fans are amazing and the support they give you day in and day out, it makes it so easy to go out there and play, so really happy with where we’re at right now and I love being over there,” Kay told CODE Sports.

“But with one year left on the contract, we’re going to wait and see what happens. As long as the wife and kid are happy, we’ll see what’s going on.

“Australia is home, and we’re enjoying it, everytime we come back in the off-season it’s always a great time seeing family and friends. And it’s great to see the NBL continue to grow and be good so we’ll see what happens.”

Back in Australia for the Boomers’ series against China, Nick Kay is enjoying his time back home. Picture: Graham Denholm/Getty Images

The only member of the Australian squad who plays outside Australia or the USA, the Tokyo bronze medallist admits there has been a level of quick learning to a group of guys who are well across each other’s style of play, are experienced playing alongside or lining up against each other in either the NBA or NBL.

But that won’t stop him from chasing a second Olympic team.

“It takes a little bit of adjusting going from playing in the Japan league to coming against these NBA guys, guys who have been playing together and against each other in the NBL as well so there’s a little adjustment period but also you want to do everything you can do to wear the green and gold,” Kay said.

“That’s one of the best things about this group, people play all over the world yet they give up whatever they’re doing to come and be involved in this.”

“No matter what’s going on, the guys come into this year ready to go, knowing that’s such a limited window, with no time to waste.”

Nick Kay (Second right, back) knows competition is tough for Olympic selection in an all-star Boomers squad. Pic: Michael Klein

For Kay, to back up the history-making experience of 2020 in front of packed stadium crowds rather than behind closed doors fuels the desire to secure his ticket to Paris.

“After experiencing it in Tokyo and with a chance to do it in front of family and friends now takes it to a whole new level” the Boomers big man said.

“I want to be there, want to do the best we can, want to win a gold in front of them and make Australia and the basketball community proud.”

“There’s nothing like going to the Olympics, that’s the pinnacle when growing up is being part of an Olympics”

And while the Boomers are re-establishing their dynamic and bleeding game time into a fresh mix of national talent after the reality check at the 2023 World Cup, Kay says internally the team reflect on the experience as a learning curve for the team.

“We’re better for it now, obviously you don’t want to go through that and not do the best you can at a tournament, but I think we’ll be better for it this time round.”

The Boomers second exhibition match will take place tonight in Melbourne before the final Olympic team is named on Sunday.

Originally published as Paris Olympics Boomers hopeful Nick Kay opens door to NBL return