NICK Kay has added to his growing list of achievements by claiming the New Zealand NBL's most valuable player award in a championship-winning season.
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The Tamworth native played a pivotal part in the Wellington Saints' 11th NBL title win over the Hawke's Bay Hawks.
After claiming the MVP award, Kay helped inspire the Saints to a dramatic comeback victory by scoring 13 points and 15 rebounds.
The Saints trailed by 18 points at the half-time break before narrowing the margin to 10 points at the final change.
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Kay then stepped up in the final term to help guide the side to a 78-68 win and to a perfect 20-0 season.
The championship victory and MVP honour come after Kay was named in the Australian All NBA team and won the Australian NBL championship with the Perth Wildcats in March.
Kay's long-time coach and mentor John Ireland said he was not surprised by his protege's success.
"I think Nick's recent exposure to high-quality organisations such as the Wildcats and the Australian Boomers has really seen him take his game to the next level," Ireland told the Leader.
"That chance to play at such a high level, coupled with his work ethic, was always going to hold him in good stead.
"His work ethic has always been outstanding and I couldn't be happier to see his hard work pay off like this."
Kay will now turn his attention to being part of the Australian Boomers World Cup squad, which will compete in China during August and September.
"It's going to be pretty tough for Nick to break into the side, given there are so many talented players in the squad," Ireland said.
"However, if any of the NBL guys in the squad are going to be able to it would be Nick. He is a special player, who is well regarded by the Boomers coaching staff.
"As well as that, he is unique in that he can do things that other players, who play power forward can't do.
"I think that could work in his favour."
Ireland said Kay's "mental toughness" would also work in his favour.
"I don't think there is any ceiling or limit to how far Nick can go and what he can achieve," he said.
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.
