Promising prospect eager to make most of opportunity
Crocs sign college star
TOWNSVILLE Crocodiles recruit Nicholas Kay is determined to make the most of his “opportunity of a lifetime”.
The 22- year- old former American college player is the fifth player to be signed to the Crocs for season 2015/ 16, recruited on a two- year deal to join Mitch Norton, Mitch Young, Leon Henry and Clint Steindl on the current roster.
Now playing in the QBL for Northside Wizards, Kay spent four years at Metro State College, Denver, finishing second in the college’s history in games played, fourth in rebounds and fifth in scoring.
A 205cm forward/ centre, Kay is averaging 21.6 points and 9.1 rebounds a game for Northside, which will play finals basketball next month.
“This deal happened pretty quickly, but to get here has been a long process,” Kay told the Bulletin yesterday. “I was always hoping to play NBL when I was younger and to have this opportunity is huge.
“Just seeing guys like Mitch Norton grow as players with the Crocs makes you want to follow the same path as well, and I’m really grateful that the Crocs have given me the opportunity.”
Kay ( left) recently won a QBL player of the week award following his 43- point game for Northside against the Gold Coast Rollers.
A Tamworth junior and former AIS representative, Kay believes his college experience could help in his prospects of making an impact in the NBL.
“Metro State really helped me develop my game and if it wasn’t for them, I definitely wouldn’t be in the position I am now,” he said.
Crocs coach Shawn Dennis praised Kay as one of the brightest young prospects to come out of the American college system this year.
“Nick is a very intelligent player and we are excited to have such an outstanding talent join the team,” Dennis said.
“Nick will bring a great work ethic and scoring into the group. He is very good in transition and handles the ball very well for a player of his size.”