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Nick Kay
Nick Kay
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Nicholas Colin Kay (born 3 August 1992) is an Australian professional basketball player for Shimane Susanoo Magic of the Japanese B.League. He played college basketball for the Metro State Roadrunners before beginning his professional career in the National Basketball League (NBL). He won two NBL championships with the Perth Wildcats in 2019 and 2020. He also won a New Zealand NBL championship and league MVP honours with the Wellington Saints in 2019. In 2021, he won a bronze medal with the Australian national team at the Tokyo Olympics.

Key Information

Early life

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Kay was born and raised in Tamworth, New South Wales,[1][2][3] where he attended McCarthy Catholic College and played for the Tamworth Thunderbolts.[4] At age 17, he moved to Sydney to attend Newington College.[5] He averaged 13 points and 14 rebounds for Newington, leading the school to finish second in Australia's all-schools tournament and won the New South Wales all-school tournament.[6] He also represented the New South Wales state team.[6]

College career

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In 2011, Kay moved to the United States to play college basketball for the Metropolitan State University of Denver in the NCAA Division II.[6]

As a freshman in 2011–12, Kay played in all 32 games for the Roadrunners, making 15 starts and averaging 6.5 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. He became the first Metro State freshman since 1995 to record a double-double on debut, recording 14 points and 13 rebounds in a start against Bemidji State on 11 November 2011. He had a season-high 24 points against Colorado Christian on 7 January 2012.[6]

As a sophomore in 2012–13, Kay was named third-team all-RMAC after leading Metro State to the national title game and the RMAC regular season and tournament championships. He started 33 of 34 games and averaged 10.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game. He had a season-high 19 points three times. He had 10 points and seven rebounds in the national championship game loss to Drury.[6][7]

As a junior in 2013–14, Kay started all 34 games and helped the Roadrunners to the RMAC regular season and tournament championships and the semi-finals at the NCAA tournament. He averaged 15.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.0 blocks per game, and was named NABC first team all-district and first-team all-RMAC. He had a season-high 24 points against UC-Colorado Springs on 1 March 2014, helping Metro State finish the regular season as the third team in RMAC history to go undefeated. He was named the most valuable player of the RMAC Tournament.[6]

As a senior in 2014–15, Kay started all 32 games and averaged 20.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.4 steals per game. He was named NABC first team all-district and first-team all-RMAC for the second straight year. He led the Roadrunners to their third consecutive RMAC regular season championship and a fourth-straight appearance in the NCAA tournament. He scored a career-high 33 points against Arkansas-Fort Smith on 15 November 2014. He had a career-high 17 rebounds along with 21 points against CSU-Pueblo on 27 February 2015.[6]

Professional career

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Northside Wizards (2014–2015)

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In 2014, in between his junior and senior college seasons, Kay played for the Northside Wizards of the Queensland Basketball League (QBL).[8] In nine games, he averaged 15.7 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game.[9]

Kay returned to the Wizards for the 2015 QBL season and averaged 22.2 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.2 steals in 13 games.[9][10]

Townsville Crocodiles (2015–2016)

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In July 2015, Kay signed with the Townsville Crocodiles of the National Basketball League (NBL).[10] He appeared in all 28 games for the Crocodiles in 2015–16 and ranked top-20 in the NBL for minutes played (28.11 per game). He averaged 10.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game, while scoring in double figures on 16 occasions, recording three double-doubles and finishing as the league leader in offensive rebounding (3.0).[11] He was subsequently named NBL Rookie of the Year.[11]

Southland Sharks and Illawarra Hawks (2016–2018)

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Following the NBL season, Kay joined the Southland Sharks for the 2016 New Zealand NBL season.[12] In 19 games, he averaged 17.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game.[9]

In May 2016, Kay signed with the Illawarra Hawks.[13] He helped the Hawks reach the grand final in the 2016–17 NBL season.[14] In 34 games, he averaged 9.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.0 steals per game.[9]

Following the NBL season, Kay re-joined the Sharks for the 2017 New Zealand NBL season.[15] In 20 games, he averaged 14.3 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.2 steals per game.[9]

With the Hawks in the 2017–18 NBL season, Kay averaged 11.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.3 steals in 28 games.[9]

Perth Wildcats and Wellington Saints (2018–2020)

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On 20 April 2018, Kay signed a three-year deal with the Perth Wildcats.[16] In the 2018–19 NBL season, he was named in the All-NBL First Team[17] and helped the Wildcats win the championship.[18][19] In 34 games, he averaged 14.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.2 steals per game.[9]

Following the NBL season, Kay joined the Wellington Saints for the 2019 New Zealand NBL season.[20] He helped the Saints win the championship and earned league MVP honours.[21][22][23] In 20 games, he averaged 15.9 points, 10.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.9 steals per game.[9]

With the Wildcats in the 2019–20 NBL season, Kay was named to the All-NBL First Team for the second straight year[24] and helped the team win back-to-back championships.[25][26] In game three of the grand final series against the Sydney Kings, Kay had a career-best game with 30 points and seven 3-pointers to go with 12 rebounds and four assists in a 111–96 win.[27][28] In 34 games, he averaged 15.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.3 steals per game.[9]

On 4 May 2020, Kay opted out of the final year of his contract with the Wildcats to pursue international opportunities after the NBL implemented salary cuts due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[29]

Spain and Japan (2020–present)

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On 5 July 2020, Kay signed with Real Betis of the Liga ACB.[30] In 36 games in the 2020–21 ACB season, he averaged 7.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.0 steals per game.[9]

On 1 July 2021, Kay signed with Shimane Susanoo Magic of the Japanese B.League.[31] In 56 games in the 2021–22 B.League season, he averaged 13.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.4 steals per game.[9]

On 22 June 2022, Kay re-signed with Shimane.[32] In 63 games in the 2022–23 B.League season, he averaged 15.4 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game.[9]

Kay returned to Shimane for the 2023–24 B.League season and averaged 16.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.4 steals in 60 games.[9]

On 20 May 2024, Kay re-signed with Shimane.[33][34] In 2024–25, he averaged 13 points, seven rebounds and 3.7 assists per game.[35]

In May 2025, Kay re-signed with Shimane.[35]

National team career

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Kay debuted for the Australian under 19 national team in 2010.[5][9]

Kay was named to the Australian national team for the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup.[36][37] In 2018, he won a gold medal with Australia at the Commonwealth Games. In 2019, he was awarded the Gaze Family Medal alongside Nathan Sobey for performances at the World Cup Qualifiers and the Commonwealth Games.[38]

In February 2021, Kay was named in the Boomers' Olympic squad.[39] He went on to help the Boomers win the bronze medal.[40] He averaged 11.0 points and 6.3 rebounds in six games.[41]

In February 2022, Kay was named in a 17-man Australian Boomers squad ahead of the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers in Japan.[42] He re-joined the team for proceeding qualifying windows in August 2022[43] and February 2023.[44]

In July 2024, Kay was named in the Boomers' final squad for the Paris Olympics.[45]

In November 2024, Kay joined the Boomers for the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers.[46] He re-joined the squad in February 2025 for two more qualifiers.[47]

In October 2025, Kay was named in the Boomers squad for the first window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.[48]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Nicholas Colin Kay (born 3 August 1992) is an Australian professional basketball player who competes as a forward/centre for the Shimane Susanoo Magic in Japan's B.League. Standing at 206 cm (6 ft 9 in), Kay has built a notable career spanning college basketball in the United States, professional leagues in Australia, New Zealand, Spain, and Japan, and international representation for the Australian Boomers. His achievements include two National Basketball League (NBL) championships with the Perth Wildcats in 2019 and 2020, as well as a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Kay was born in , and developed his skills playing for in before earning a to , where he played for the Roadrunners from 2011 to 2015. During his college tenure, he helped lead the team to four tournaments and finished his career ranked second in school history for free throws made (449), games played (114), and minutes (3,969). Kay went undrafted in the but transitioned to professional play in Australia's NBL, debuting with the Townsville Crocodiles in the 2015–16 season, where he earned Rookie of the Year honors. In the NBL, Kay later joined the Illawarra Hawks before moving to the Perth Wildcats, contributing significantly to their championship runs in 2019 and 2020 as a key frontcourt player known for his leadership and versatility. Internationally, he has been a mainstay for the Australian national team since 2018, participating in the FIBA World Cup in 2019 and 2023, captaining the Boomers in World Cup qualifiers in 2022, and winning gold at the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Kay averaged 28 minutes, 11 points, and 6.3 rebounds per game en route to the bronze medal, and he returned for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Since 2021, Kay has played overseas with the Shimane Susanoo Magic, where he has continued to excel, notably tying his career-high of 34 points in a 2023 B.League game.

Early life and education

Upbringing in Tamworth

Nick Kay was born on August 3, 1992, in Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia, a regional town known for its strong rugby league culture. He grew up in a family involved in the local community, with his father working as a police officer and his mother serving as a school principal, both roles that emphasized discipline and public service. This background fostered a supportive environment for Kay's early interests, though basketball was not the dominant sport in the area, where rugby league held greater prominence among his peers. Kay's initial exposure to basketball came through local clubs and his schooling at McCarthy Catholic College in Tamworth, where he began developing fundamental skills in a resource-limited rural setting. He played for the Tamworth Thunderbolts junior team, starting with informal games among friends that highlighted the challenges of limited competition and facilities in . His family's support was instrumental, including grandparents who installed a backyard hoop to encourage practice, instilling a strong from a young age. Around age 14, Kay experienced a significant physical growth spurt that propelled him into more competitive junior leagues, where he began to stand out despite the team's early struggles, such as a 124-6 loss in their first game. To build overall athleticism, he participated in other sports like alongside , following his friends' interests until high school, when he committed more fully to hoops. This multi-sport involvement, combined with family-driven perseverance, shaped his formative years before transitioning to opportunities in .

High school career

At the age of 17, Nick Kay relocated from his hometown of , to to attend , a move driven by the pursuit of enhanced development opportunities unavailable in his rural setting. This transition marked a significant shift from his foundational early years in Tamworth, where he first honed his skills in local competitions. Enrolling as a boarder at the prestigious all-boys school, Kay immersed himself in a more competitive urban basketball environment, which accelerated his growth as a player. Under the guidance of coach Rex Nottage at , Kay's abilities flourished, transforming him from a into a standout performer. In his senior year of 2010, he averaged 13 points and 14 rebounds per game, contributing to the team's strong showing in school competitions. His dominance on the boards and scoring prowess highlighted his emerging physicality and IQ, skills that would become hallmarks of his career. During this period, Kay was selected as a member of the Australian under-19 national team, known as the Emus, underscoring his rapid rise and national recognition as a promising talent. The adjustment to life at Newington presented notable challenges, including adapting to the rigors of routines and the intensity of city-based rivalries, far removed from the supportive familiarity of Tamworth. As a newcomer in a high-stakes setting, Kay demonstrated resilience through persistent effort and hard work, overcoming initial hurdles to thrive both athletically and personally. This period of adaptation not only refined his on-court resilience but also prepared him for the demands of higher-level .

College career

After graduating from in , , Nick Kay committed to play for the Roadrunners in the NCAA Division II's (RMAC) starting in the 2011–12 season. As a in 2011–12, Kay appeared in all 32 games for the Roadrunners, making 15 starts while averaging 6.5 points and 5.6 rebounds per game as a forward, contributing to the team's advancement to the NCAA Division II . In his sophomore year of 2012–13, he started all 34 games, improving to 10.7 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, helping Metro State secure RMAC regular season and tournament titles en route to the NCAA Division II national title game, where he also earned the Elite 89 Award for academic excellence. Kay's junior season in 2013–14 saw further growth, as he started all 34 contests, averaging 15.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.7 steals per game while shooting 48.0% from the field; the Roadrunners repeated as RMAC champions and reached the NCAA Division II semifinals, with Kay named to the first team All-RMAC and earning RMAC MVP honors. During his senior campaign in 2014–15, Kay captained the team and started all 32 games, posting career highs of 20.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.4 steals per game on 53.0% shooting, including seven double-doubles; this performance led Metro State to a shared RMAC regular season title and another tournament berth, while earning him Division II Bulletin honorable mention , NABC first team all-district, and first team Academic All-America accolades. Over his four-year tenure from 2011 to 2015, Kay amassed 1,766 points (15.4 per game) and 863 rebounds (7.6 per game) in 114 games. Kay developed into a dominant in Division II play, emphasizing efficient scoring inside the paint and rebounding prowess, with his rising steadily from 47.6% as a to 53.0% in his senior year, while also expanding his playmaking and defensive contributions.

Professional career

Northside Wizards and Townsville Crocodiles (2014–2016)

Following his standout college career at , where he honed his skills as a versatile forward, Nick Kay transitioned to professional by signing with the Northside of the Queensland Basketball League (QBL) in 2014. In his debut professional season, Kay appeared in nine games for the , averaging 15.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, showcasing the scoring and rebounding prowess that defined his collegiate play. He returned to the for the 2015 QBL season, further elevating his performance with averages of 22.2 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.2 steals across 13 games, earning recognition as Player of the Week in round 9. In July 2015, Kay signed a two-year contract with the Crocodiles of Australia's National Basketball League (NBL), marking his entry into the country's premier professional competition. As a , he quickly adapted to the faster pace and physicality of NBL play, often tasked with defending opposing big men while contributing on both ends of the floor. Over 28 games in the 2015–16 season, Kay averaged 10.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 27.6 minutes per game, ranking in the top 20 league-wide for minutes played. His consistent energy and basketball IQ helped the Crocodiles maintain competitiveness, and his efforts earned him the NBL Rookie of the Year award. Kay's adjustment to professional demands was evident in key matchups, including a double-digit scoring performance in a game against the . In a regular-season matchup against the on February 6, 2016, Kay delivered a standout 24 points and 15 rebounds in a 104–97 overtime loss, highlighting his ability to produce under pressure. These contributions were instrumental in the team's competitiveness, solidifying Kay's reputation as a promising newcomer.

Southland Sharks and Illawarra Hawks (2016–2018)

In February 2016, following his rookie season in the NBL, Kay signed with the Southland Sharks of the New Zealand NBL (NZNBL). In 19 games during the 2016 season, he averaged 17.9 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, showcasing his scoring and rebounding ability as a key frontcourt player. Kay re-signed with the Sharks for the 2017 season, where he appeared in 20 games and improved his playmaking while maintaining strong rebounding totals, averaging 14.3 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. In May 2016, Kay inked a two-year contract with the of Australia's NBL, marking his return to the domestic league at a higher competitive level. During the 2016–17 season, he played all 28 games, contributing 9.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per game while adapting to the NBL's pace and physicality. In his second season with the Hawks in 2017–18, Kay appeared in 28 games, elevating his production to 11.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game, solidifying his role in the team's rotation. Kay's time with the Sharks and Hawks marked a period of significant development, evolving from a primary scorer in to a more versatile forward in . His increased assists highlighted improved vision and facilitation, while his rebounding prowess—often exceeding 8 per game in the NZNBL—provided crucial second-chance opportunities and defensive stability within team schemes that emphasized switching and help defense. This growth built on the foundational consistency he gained during his NBL year with the Crocodiles. Notable performances underscored his impact, including a double-double of 24 points and 10 rebounds in a 2016 NZNBL regular-season game against the . In the NBL, Kay delivered versatile outings against top opponents, such as 16 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 steals in a comeback victory over the during the 2016–17 season.

Perth Wildcats and Wellington Saints (2018–2020)

In April 2018, Nick Kay signed a three-year contract with the of Australia's National Basketball League (NBL), joining after two seasons with the . During the 2018–19 season, his debut campaign with Perth, Kay established himself as a cornerstone of the frontcourt, averaging 15.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game across 28 regular-season appearances. His efficient scoring and rebounding prowess earned him a selection to the All-NBL First Team, recognizing him among the league's elite performers. Kay's impact extended into the playoffs, where he contributed to the Wildcats' championship victory, defeating 3–1 in the grand final series to claim Perth's ninth NBL title. In the –20 season, Kay elevated his production further, averaging 15.8 points per game while again securing All-NBL First Team honors for the second consecutive year. The Wildcats repeated as champions, overcoming the 2–1 in the grand final, with Kay's versatile play—including a career-high 30 points and 12 rebounds in Game 3—drawing consideration for Finals MVP alongside teammate , who ultimately won the award. Kay also earned Semi-Finals MVP recognition for his dominant series against the . During the 2019 off-season, Kay joined the Wellington Saints in New Zealand's NBL (NZNBL), where he averaged 15.9 points and 10.0 rebounds per game over 20 contests, leading the league in double-doubles. His commanding presence helped the Saints achieve a perfect 18–0 regular-season record and secure the championship, with Kay named league MVP for his all-around dominance. Throughout his tenure with Perth and Wellington, Kay emerged as a vocal leader, anchoring championship defenses and providing steady scoring in high-stakes playoff moments, such as his 16 points in Game 3 of the 2019 grand final.

Overseas career in Spain and Japan (2020–present)

In July 2020, Kay signed a one-year contract with of 's , marking his entry into European professional basketball. The 2020–21 season was heavily impacted by the , with multiple game postponements and a condensed schedule that tested team cohesion and player health. Over 36 appearances, Kay averaged 7.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game in 26.8 minutes, contributing as a versatile big man focused on screening, rebounding, and defensive versatility amid the team's relegation battle, which they narrowly avoided with an 11–25 record. On July 1, 2021, Kay joined in Japan's , transitioning to Asian professional after his European stint. In his debut 2021–22 season, he quickly adapted to the league's up-tempo style, averaging 14.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists across 58 games while shooting efficiently at 54.4% from the field and 39.5% from three-point range. His performance elevated in subsequent years, peaking in 2023–24 with 16.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in 60 games, showcasing his growth as a scoring threat and facilitator in a system emphasizing ball movement and perimeter shooting. Kay re-signed with Shimane in May 2025 for the 2025–26 season, committing to his fifth year with the club despite interest from other leagues, including Australia's NBL. In the preceding 2024–25 campaign, he posted 13.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 31 minutes per game, helping the team pursue deeper playoff runs. Adapting to Japan's involved navigating extensive domestic and international travel across the archipelago, as well as embracing a team-oriented approach that prioritizes collective execution over individual dominance, contrasting with more iso-heavy styles in prior leagues.

National team career

Youth international career

Kay's involvement with Australian youth basketball began during his high school years at , where he earned selection to the under-19 national team, known as the Emus. As a member of the U19 squad, Kay participated in training camps and trials that honed his skills against top junior talent. These experiences, including tours with the Australian Institute of Sport to America and , exposed him to diverse playing styles and high-level opposition, fostering his development as a versatile forward. His selection to the U19 team and tours with the Australian Institute of Sport contributed to his development and recruitment to programs, bridging his junior career to collegiate success. These youth international stints built on his strong high school foundation in , where he led teams in scoring and rebounding.

Senior international career

Kay debuted for the senior Australian Boomers at the . He made his Olympic debut at the on the Gold Coast, where he averaged 11.0 points and 6.3 rebounds per game across six contests, helping secure the gold medal in a dominant 87-47 final win over . Kay represented at the 2019 FIBA , playing in eight games and averaging 7.9 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. At the 2020 Olympics (held in 2021), Kay came off the bench in all six games, contributing 11.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while shooting 58.7% from the field, playing a key role in 's historic finish, including a 107-93 victory over in the match. Kay played for the Boomers at the 2023 , appearing in three games with averages of 7.3 points and 2.3 rebounds. He was part of the team at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where finished fourth; Kay played in five games, averaging 7.6 points and 4.0 rebounds. In 2022, Kay was appointed captain for the Boomers' qualifying campaign in , leading the team through the initial window. He retained the captaincy for the 2025 qualifiers, averaging 12.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists over six games in the recent windows as of November 2025. As a versatile big man in Patty Mills-led Boomers squads, Kay has excelled in multifaceted roles, providing spacing on offense and tenacious defense, notably tasked with primary containment duties against elite scorers like during the Olympic semi-final against the .

Awards and achievements

Club awards

Nick Kay earned the NBL Rookie of the Year award during the 2015–16 season with the Townsville Crocodiles, recognizing his immediate impact as a 23-year-old debutant who averaged 10.2 points and 6.3 rebounds per game across 28 appearances. In the 2018–19 NBL season, Kay was selected to the All-NBL First Team while playing for the , honoring his versatile contributions of 13.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game in the regular season. He repeated the All-NBL First Team selection in the 2019–20 season, averaging 15.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists, further establishing his status as one of the league's top forwards. Kay played a pivotal role in the ' NBL championship wins in both 2019 and 2020. In the 2018–19 playoffs, he contributed 12.3 points and 9.0 rebounds per game, helping the team defeat in the series. During the 2019–20 postseason, his output rose to 19.7 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, anchoring the Wildcats' frontcourt en route to a 2–1 victory over the . With the in the 2019 New Zealand NBL season, captured league MVP honors, leading the team to a championship title while averaging 25.3 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game over 15 outings. His dominant performance earned him additional accolades, including NZNBL All-Star Five and Most Outstanding Import.

International honors

contributed to Australia's gold medal win at the in Gold Coast, where the Boomers defeated 87-47 in the final, with Kay scoring 10 points in the championship game. In 2021, Kay helped secure a historic for the Boomers at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, defeating 107-93 in the match, while averaging 11.0 points and 6.3 rebounds over six games. Kay served as captain for the Australian Boomers during the February 2022 FIBA qualifiers in , leading the team through the initial window and subsequent matches in Okinawa and . He continued his leadership role in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualifiers, captaining the squad through multiple windows, including victories over , , and the Republic of Korea. Kay delivered a standout performance against Korea in February 2024, scoring 21 points to earn Player of the Game honors in a 76-69 win. Kay received the Australian Basketball Players' Association Boomers Player of the Year award in 2023, voted by his peers for his contributions during qualifying as captain.

References

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