Nick Kay just wants a chance to make his case.
The Perth Wildcats power forward has been one of the mainstays for the NBL-based Australian Boomers who have steered the nation to a place at next year’s FIBA World Cup in China.
Kay and his fellow NBL mates signed on for the team knowing Australia’s NBA and overseas-based stars would fill the majority of spots for major tournaments such as the World Cup or Olympic Games.
In with a chance: Nick Kay is hoping for a spot on the Boomers team when the NBA and overseas-based stars are available.Credit:AAP
But that doesn’t mean the NBL Boomers have given up hope of making the team, especially in the event some of the international stars are unable to play.
"At first you are just excited to be in the side and I understand there are a lot of great NBA players right now," Kay said.
"We will do our jobs and give ourselves at least a chance to make the team and that's all you want, a chance to compete and try to get a spot on the team. We know there might be a spot or two on the roster."
Kay is one of four players to play every qualifying game and he expects to be in uniform when the Boomers face Qatar at Margaret Court Arena on Monday night to end this qualifying window. They have two more away games in February to close off the campaign.
These last three games look like dead rubbers but they are still very much alive to the Boomers, who want to finish as high as possible in their group so they can receive the best possible seeding ahead of the World Cup draw.
Each game is also another chance to show coach Andrej Lemanis how well the NBL players understand his system of play.
"We will still be pretty disciplined and seeding is a big thing for us right now," Kay said.
"It’s also a chance for guys to show why they should be considered for next year – this is something we can come out on court and have an influence on."
While Kay is not the offensive threat overseas power forwards like Jonah Bolden or Brock Motum are, he has shown during World Cup qualifying that he can bang bodies, hustle and play within Lemanis' offensive system as well as anyone.
"A lot of guys just need to look at their position and see where they can fill a need," Kay said.
"Personally I need to be a pain in the butt defensively, do the little things, dive on loose balls and try to be a difference maker at the defensive end as we have enough scorers, enough talent on the team that sometimes you need to be one of those guys who do something a bit different."
Whether he makes the World Cup team or not, Kay said playing for the Boomers was a thrill and the team would be chasing three wins from their last three qualifiers.
"It’s been awesome – I'm loving every opportunity to wear the green and gold," Kay said.
The Boomers play Qatar at Margaret Court Arena on Monday at 7.30pm.
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