THERE is no perfect way to prepare for a World Cup campaign, but Tamworth's Nick Kay has come very close.
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The 26-year-old starred for the Wellington Saints in the New Zealand NBL, winning the league MVP award and helping guide the side to a championship.
Now, the power forward is hoping to channel his recent good form into a strong showing for the Australian Boomers at this year's basketball World Cup in China.
"Playing for the Saints was really beneficial with the World Cup coming up this year I wanted to stay in shape and be game ready," Kay said.
"Training with, and playing against the type of quality opponents they have down there, was the best preparation I could ask for."
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The championship win made it two from two in 2019 for the Tamworth native, after he played a pivotal role in the Perth Wildcats Australian NBL victory.
The stellar season resulted in Kay earning an All NBL team selection and eventually selection into the Boomers squad.
"It feels really great to have made the squad," he said.
"I think it is going to be a huge challenge to make the team, but at the same time when you are alongside the best players in Australia, it is really exciting.
"You can only get better as a player from the experience and I can't wait to see what comes from it."
Regarded as a hard worker by Tamworth Thunderbolts coach John Ireland, Kay said he would look to use that to produce his best for Australia.
"Hard work makes up for a lot of things and I would never say I'm the most talented guy out there, but I just try and do the little things the best I can," he said.
"I think that attitude will be my only chance of making the team, given how many talented players are in the squad.
"However, it comes down to me doing what I can do to help the team win and I guess it's about proving that I can do my job."
Kay said he would be keeping an eye on the Tamworth Thunderbolts as they prepare for their Waratah League finals campaign.
"I have been keeping up with how they are going and I am really excited to see how far they can go," he said.
"My family still comes to the home games every week and I keep in touch with a lot of the boys as well.
"They have worked so hard for a long time now, so it would be really special to see them go all the way.
"I'll certainly be cheering them on once I go back to Perth, that's for sure."
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
