TAMWORTH native Nick Kay has credited his junior years playing with the Tamworth Thunderbolts for his success this season.
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Kay was pivotal in the Perth Wildcats ninth NBL championship win and starred for the side throughout the season after shifting over from the Illawarra Hawks at the end of last season.
"I don't know what words to use to describe the victory," Kay said.
"It's been a rollercoaster season and to pull together in the finals to get the job done was very special."
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Named in the all-NBL side for the first time this year, Kay told the Leader he couldn't have done it without the help of the Thunderbolts.
"I was blessed to have some really good coaches during my time at the Tamworth Thunderbolts," he said.
"Being named in the all-NBL side was a huge goal of mine from the start and a real honour.
"Growing up in Tamworth was hugely influential on me and my game and I'm really lucky to have been involved with the Thunderbolts."
After starting the season in fine fashion, the Wildcats drew criticism after several losses on the road during December.
"We did cop a little bit of flack from certain places that we weren't talented enough to win the title," Kay said.
"However, we are a really selfless group, who works really hard for one another.
"I think that's why it was such a special victory, we play for each other and there's no better way to prove our critics wrong."
Kay said the win was only part of the benefits from his decision to move to the club from the Hawks.
"It was a tough call to move over but the coaching staff and personal they have over here in Perth is unreal," he said.
"We will come together for the official club championship celebrations in the coming weeks and to be honest I couldn't be happier with my decision to come over to Perth."
With the NBL season now in Kay's rear-vision mirror, the Tamworth native will now turn his attention to claiming a cup of a different kind.
"After the off-season my big focus will be getting ready for the Boomers World Cup trials," Kay said.
"We will have a pretty strong squad so I will be doing my best to earn a place in it."