Hoops

Nick Kay "dominates" Boomers training day 1

Zodiac, in no way am I disparaging Andersen. I've repeatedly claimed that Andersen has been underrated by Australian basketball fans, especially in his terrific commitment to the Boomers team. I'm just comparing Kay 2019 to Andersen 2016, in which case I see that Kay, on paper, might be able to offer more. Would I take Kay 2019 over Andersen 2016? Probably not. Andersen's experience at high levels, in big events, for a long time is a crucial advantage.

I don't know, but I'd have thought that part of the reason for this training, and the practice games, is to get the team clicking and to make sure that we send the best 12, based on current form?

Perhaps this is the opportunity to actually compare players, rather than try to evaluate performances in disparate leagues?

Maybe, on that basis, Kay deserves a shot?

I mean, what do they mean by "dominates"? If he's consistently outplaying some of the bigger names, maybe that says something?

Personally, I would like to see players rewarded for their ability, as opposed to sucking up to Lemanis like Sobey and Spuddee.

Yes, I especially enjoyed his 'dominance' of Japan on 4/19 shooting, in what was our first ever loss in Asia. A 'rare talent' indeed!

As posted above

Deladova, Sobey
Mills, Goulding
Inglis, Creek
Bolden , Motum, Kay
Bogut, Bayes, Landale

It’s the best available.

Motum is gone imo.


PG Dellavedova / Mccarron or Sobey
SG Mills / Sobey or Goulding
SG/SF Ingles
SF Creek / Adel
PF Bolden / Kay
PF/C Landale
C Baynes / Bogut

I think we will have to come to terms with the fact that Nick Kay is on the team very soon. NBL just released another video from the camp and they're talking about Nick Kay once again. He's obviously been a revelation in camp and it would be a surprise now if he didn't make it.

Who is giving up their spot to him though? Motum? Landale? Bolden?

Don't compare Nick bloody Kay to David Andersen in respect to what they've done on the international stage. Sure Andersen isn't Boomers quality now but in his younger years he carried us in some of the big senior tournaments, Kay's never even played a game at the WC or Olympics.

Agree with you rjd, the only thing is that Anderson had length defensively and was probably slightly quicker than Kay.

In Rio we had Andersen, Motum and Bairstow playing the 4. Is Kay really any downgrade athletically on Bairstow and Andersen? Any downgrade defensively? Kay is similar in size to Bairstow. Size is important, but it doesn't matter if you don't use it. Kay is superior than all these guys on the glass. He offers stretch 4 abilities with a very impressive 44% from behind the 3-point line last season. Andersen's role was very important in Rio, and his shooting was a huge part of that, so if Kay is still hitting 3s like he did last season, he might actually be an upgrade on Andersen because he can shoot at an equivalently high clip while offering more in rebounding and defense.

International 4 that are 6ft 7” can jump a metre and have 7” wing spans, Kay doesn’t. I’m still thinking he’s probably a shot but let’s not go over board.

6’9 is too small?

An internationalm4 is 6’7 - 6’11

Why would Kay starting at World's be that bad? If he wears some fouls by overzealous refereeing trying to dictate how they want the game to be called and we spare say Bogut picking up some early cheap fouls then I'm all for it.

Against Spain in Olympic bronze medal playoff Bogut fouled out with 5 minutes to go in the game, what we would do to get some early fouls on a Kay type and have Bogut on during clutch time...

Also I don't think Kay would embarrass himself and if he does then we have quality bigs to replace him with on the court. I also think that Kay wouldn't be shooting bad shots if he was out there with Delly, Mills, Ingles and Baynes.

Any info on Simmons during training? A read a report that he was training with the Boomers team.

Kay has practically been the MVP for the Boomers post-Rio.

Not sure how you figure him as a "tweener"?
Yes, he can play the 5 in the NBL if NEEDED, and does a few minutes here and there, but he plays predominately in his natural position of PF. Same role he plays internationally.

He's there to keep the others honest, and that's what he's doing.

What are the injury rules for the WC? If somebody goes down during the tourney, can they be replaced in the squad?

Kay's not making a Boomers team over Bolden or Motum come on. It's Aussie tradition to err on the side of an extra guard than a forward.

"classic tweener who does well in NBL but has no position internationally"

He's not a tweener at all, he is a 4 at NBL or international level. Lemanis had been wanting a versatile, defensive-minded, rebounding PF like Kay since he took over the Boomers job.

Yes, I especially enjoyed his 'dominance' of Japan on 4/19 shooting, in what was our first ever loss in Asia. A 'rare talent' indeed!

No way that’s happening...^

Landale has to be in as both Bayes and Bogut are a little injury prone. Do you go for offensive 4 Motum or defensive team 4 in Kay, with Bolden the starting 4, I’d take the three. Goulding ahead off McCarron in the 2. Sobey in the back up point.

Dellavedova, Sobey
Mills, Goulding
Inglis, Creek
Bolden, Motum, Kay
Bogut, Bayes, Landale

Dellavedova/Mccarron
Mills/Sobey
Ingles/Creek/Adel
Kay/Bolden/Landale
Baynes/Bogut

Cadee
Goulding
Gliddon
Blanchfield
Cooks
Motum

I think motum could be on the chopping block.

Not surprised, he works hard and plays team. Will be interesting if he makes squad to see how he goes against some off the very athletic fours from the top world sides.

Seriously? Kay is one of the most important players we have, there is no one else who can do what he does both defensively and on the glass at the 4-spot. He is a rare talent.

*that coming

Dont post here anymore - I have to say Townsville home games on tv are practically unwatchable. I know the guy who does the music posts here, he states that "the fans love [the music]" but it is like watching anti-basketball. If anyone likes the product that the Crocs produce means they know zero about basketball. I will not be convinced otherwise.