The Tamworth-raised star also said his one-season stint playing for Spanish club Real Betis - his first European basketball experience - had helped him prepare for the Tokyo Olympics.

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However, he lamented the fact that crowds would be barred from attending matches in Tokyo due to the pandemic.

The former Perth Wildcat spoke to the Leader from Las Vegas, where the Boomers are taking part in an exhibition tournament - a final tune-up for the Games, which start next Friday after being delayed a year because of the pandemic.

He said: "It's such an enjoyable experience. It's something you dream of as a kid. To be here now and heading towards Tokyo, I'm super excited."

Australia have won their opening three matches of the Las Vegas tournament, beating Argentina and Olympic favourites Team USA - before an understrength Boomers thumped Nigeria by 39 points on Wednesday afternoon (AEST)

Kay - who posted seven points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals against Nigeria - said while Australia had "started off the right way", "we've still got a lot of work to do if we want to win a medal".

Still, he said it was "unbelievable how the core group" of Boomers had brought "the guys together and really embraced that culture, that teamwork".

Under coach Brian Goorjian, he continued, the focus is on defence.

Australia play Team USA on Saturday morning (AEST).

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