Kay knocks back NBL to extend in Japan

Australian Boomers stalwart Nick Kay believes he has much more to achieve in Japan after deciding to re-sign with Shimane Susanoo Magic and knock back significant interest from the NBL.

Kay, who has been with the Magic since 2021, is always one of the most desired free agents on the market both in the Japan B League and in the NBL — given his ability to consistently perform at an elite level, his reputation as a high character player and leader, championship pedigree and his success on the international stage.

But the allure of trying to take the Magic to a B1 championship before and then possibly the B Premier league when the structure of the Japanese elite basketball competition changes for the 2026-27 season, proved too much for the Olympic bronze medallist to pass up.

"I had offers elsewhere but Shimane has always been super supportive and accommodating to myself and my family. It’s a fantastic and positive community and the club is doing a lot of things to best position themselves to try and win a championship," Kay told basketball.com.au.

"In a time of change, with the B Premier a year away, having a familiar environment that I feel I can succeed in is also a bonus."

The 32-year-old Tamworth product averaged 13 points, seven rebounds and 3.7 assists for Shimane this past season, where the team finished the regular season in eighth place and were knocked out of the playoffs Ryukyu in the quarterfinal.

But Kay, who already has two NBL championships to his name and a history-making Olympic medal with the Boomers, said he wanted to lead Shimane to be successful in the playoffs.

"I really want to help us take that next step to, not only being successful during the regular season, but in the playoffs as well. As a team that’s being more consistent game to game, including results. Individually I just want to be a better leader and play at an all-league level," he said.

The former Perth Wildcat, Illawarra Hawk and Townsville Crocodiles star will have to do it without Paul Henare, who departed the Magic after coaching the side for the past four seasons.

"It’s obviously tough when a coach you’ve had for four years isn’t coming back the next year but it’s even harder when that coach is a great friend and someone you have a lot of trust in and respect for," Kay said.

"Pauli did an awesome job here taking the club to three playoffs in four years and elevating it from a club under .500 to competing with the top teams for championships. He enhanced the club on and off the floor and I couldn’t be more thankful for him bringing me over to Japan."

And while Kay or Shimane have not officially confirmed who the new coach is, Serbian mentor Petar Bozic is expected to take over from Henare.

"I have spoken to the coach and some people I trust who know the coach really well. Everyone has had really positive things to say both from a team perspective and individual growth perspective," he said.

"The club hasn’t announced anything so can’t really say much more than that. I am excited to see how we can work together to assist me in becoming a better player though."

Asked if he considered signing anywhere else other than Japan, Kay said he "certainly wasn't opposed to it".

"Basketball being such a world game, I think there are some great opportunities out there," he said.

"Right now, however, I'm just trying to enjoy each season, strive for those championships and doing what’s best for the family."

• Nick Kay has been with the Shimane Susanoo Magic since the 2021-22 season
• He hasn't played in the NBL since winning the 2019-20 championship with the Perth Wildcats
• Kay also played in Europe for Real Betis before signing in Japan