Boomers forward Nick Kay is burning for World Cup gold in August

Kay was a key player at the 2019 World Cup and Tokyo Olympics, where he spent crucial minutes as a power forward and center, and he said NBA-based Boomers kept in touch with their local counterparts.

“I think Australian basketball is in such a good place that these leaders like Delly, Patty and Joe are stepping up and saying congratulations on the game or good luck this week – it doesn’t take much but they’re going out of their way, support show,” Kay said.

“They are still involved and watching. It makes you want to go that step further and the young people in the group see that and will continue that connection if they come through.”

Melbourne United manager Dean Vickerman coached the side through the weekend’s games while Kay and Nathan Sobey were the only players at the Tokyo Olympics.

But Kay conceded that the toughest months are those ahead as the NBA, European and Asian seasons wrap up and the Boomers watch each other’s games and hope everyone stays healthy and gears up for the Worlds.

This group is also likely to have a few younger faces, with Giddey, Dyson Daniels, Josh Green and Jack White all making strides in the NBA, while players like Xavier Cooks and Will McDowell-White have made strong impressions in the NBL.

It also remains uncertain if Ben Simmons will be available to play his first game for the Boomers since 2013, while key players Jock Landale, Matisse Thybulle and Ingles will have to navigate NBA free agency beginning in July before they link up with the Boomers can connect .

Also, the World Cup draw will take place on April 29, which will determine which group and host country the Boomers will play their group games in.

“It’s tough because you don’t know what’s going to happen,” Kay said. “They hope everyone is healthy and look at what other countries are doing.

“All you want is what is best for the country, whether you are involved or not. I’m going to go out there and do everything I can to build this team and find a role to help the team.

“If I’m not part of the team then I’ll be watching, cheering my butt off for whoever’s there and hoping they win. That’s the buy-in that defines boomer culture.”

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