Back-to-back NBL champion Nick Kay has officially signed with Spanish side Real Betis ending any hope of the two-time NBL first-teamer of returning the Wildcats for the upcoming season.

The Boomer opted out of his third year in Perth in May to explore options internationally and cited his desire to earn a spot on next year’s Olympic team as the main drive for heading to the ACB instead of staying in the NBL.

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His new club finished 15th in the 18-team top-tier Spanish competition before the season was suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak, the forward signing a one year deal.

Perth Wildcats CEO Troy Georgiu responded to the news via a press release, thanking the big man for his time in Perth.

“It’s rewarding to see someone who’s been an integral part of our program be afforded an opportunity to achieve a personal goal,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to watching Nick continue to grow in Europe and am excited to hopefully see him in the green and gold at the Tokyo Games.

“I’d like to thank Nick for everything he’s done in his two seasons here at the Wildcats. You see what he does on the court, but off of it he embodies our club’s values with his professionalism, hard work and humility.

“We wish him the very best in Spain. He’ll always be a part of the Wildcats family."

Kay has improved every year since entering the NBL with Townsville in 2015, becoming one of the most efficient two-way players in the competition.

The 27-year-old enjoyed a near perfect two-year stint in Perth claiming two championships, two NBL first-team nods and a Boomers call-up for the 2019 FIBA World Cup.

16 points and 11 rebounds in a semi-final against Spain elevated Kay’s status internationally.

“The European game suits him to a tee, he can handle the physicality and now stretch out the floor but is smart enough to know offences, I think he’ll blossom over there,” Greg Hire told the West.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets a call up from European powerhouses, because everywhere Nick’s gone to he’s continued to grow and he’s young.”