It seems even 2020 couldn't keep Kai Woodfall's competitive spirit down.
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The 24-year-old Launceston basketball veteran has spent the year in Queensland studying medicine.
But the basketball followed him to the sunshine state, where he'd play for the NBL1 North team the South West Metro Pirates.
Due to COVID, the NBL1 North cancelled its season.
However, NBL, NBL1 and Australian FIBA players could opt into the Queensland state league.
"They jacked up the teams with all the NBL1 and Boomers guys so it was a pretty good league," Woodfall said.
"And we actually got to play because COVID wasn't raging at the time, so that's what I've been doing."
ELSEWHERE IN SPORT:
The former North-West Thunderer found himself among stars including Matt Hodgson, Jason Cadee, Nathan Sovre and Harry Froling in a league stacked with talent.
"We're pretty lucky, there hasn't been a chance for a lot of people to play [in Australia] and they did a really good job in Queensland," Woodfall said.
"We were playing against guys that could hoop which was good for me personally because I like competing and like to play good competition.
"Coming back from college, I was probably playing as well as ever after four years ... I did well with the Thunder ... and then having that break.
"Suddenly, it all goes away and you don't think you'll get a chance, so to be able to revamp the league and make it as good as ever, you're not going to miss out."
The point guard's basketballing has taken him many places, including a four-year stint with Southwest Baptist and Missouri Baptist universities in the United States.
We were playing against guys that could hoop which was good for me personally because I like competing and like to play good competition.
- Kai Woodfall on his Queensland season
Back in Tasmania for summer to visit family, Woodfall has been mentoring younger basketballers through his KWBasketball program alongside the Launceston Basketball Association.
But he said his playing days were numbered once he completes his studies.
"I'll keep KWBasketball going from abroad ... and play as long as my knees let me and I'm good enough to get paid some money to do it," Woodfall said.
"But once I graduate in three to four years - it'll be medicine, I just wouldn't have the time do it and I think career-wise and financially-wise it would be smarter to go into my job."
"I think I'd regret it if I hang the boots up too early."