Penney fuels talk of Tall Blacks return with terrific campaign

WOLLONGONG (2016 Rio Olympics) - The word legend is preceding the name of Kirk Penney with increasing frequency Down Under. While such a label is normally reserved for those who have stopped playing the game, its usage serves to highlight just how highly regarded Penney is in basketball circles in New Zealand.

If one thought a few months ago that he was nearing the end of his career at 35 years of age, his displays with the Illawarra Hawks upon his return to the Australian NBL have proved otherwise.

Penney, the Tall Black that reached the Semi-Finals of the 2002 FIBA Basketball World Cup, the four-time All-NBL First Team selection while a player with the New Zealand Breakers, has still go it.

Kirk Penney (NZL) at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup

The 1.96m shooting guard is one of the best players in the 2015-16 NBL, where he is playing for the first time since the 2010-11 campaign. He's hitting a blistering 46 percent from three-point range and averaging more than 20 points per contest.

When Penney played at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Bilbao and Barcelona two years ago, some thought it was going to be his swan song in a Tall Blacks jersey.

He didn't feature at last year's FIBA Oceania Championship. But now, because Penny can still play at a very high level, who knows? Maybe his days with the Tall Blacks are not over.

Before a recent game against his old New Zealand Breakers team, he said: "I understand everyone says 'wow, he's so old, what kind of Weetabix is he eating?' But I don't feel very old. I'm seeing guys play at 39 or 40 in the NBA that are playing pretty well still."

New Zealand will play at one of the three six-team FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments (OQTs), the winners of which will advance to the Rio de Janeiro Games. Penney played at the 2000 and 2004 Olympics. 

At the highest level of international basketball, like at the Olympics, every spot on the 12-man roster is going to be important. For his leadership and experience alone, Penney would be a valuable man to have in the team. His three-point shooting stroke could make his presence even more desirable.

For some, the age question is the biggest as it relates to Penney. Were he to play for New Zealand, he would be the oldest player in the side. While talking about his professional career, he says his age should not be an impediment.

"As a rugby player, 35 is old, and that's a lot of impact, so for a New Zealand audience 35 does seem quite old," he said. "But from a basketball standpoint, I don't feel I've got that kind of mileage where I'm pounded. Yeah my back is pretty sore right now, but I've always had to take care of my back.

"Maybe I've convinced myself that I'm not old. I've always taken care of my body and tried to be a good pro. It's something I definitely talk to young players about - take care of yourself in your early-20s and you might enjoy being able to still play in your late-30s."

Remember last summer, when the Kiwis went cold from the perimeter in their crucial first game at Australia in Melbourne at the FIBA Oceania Championship? They finished that contest 7 of 27 from long range. Might Penney have knocked down a few three-balls to help the Kiwi cause?

Penney has not ruled out a return to the Tall Blacks, and the Tall Blacks haven't ruled him out, either. There has been more talk about another New Zealander the past couple of years that the Kiwis would like to incorporate to the side.

Steve Adams is a center with the Oklahoma City Thunder and the national team is crying out for a player of his caliber in the low post. Adams is a proud New Zealander and were he to play at the OQT, the team would have a weapon that it has never had before.

I haven't officially retired from the Tall Blacks and I probably want to keep that door a little ajar. But I don't really know right now. I'm just taking one season at a time, and that's what I have to do at this point. - Penney

Penney's level of play is only going to fuel talk of his possible return to the national team for the OQT. On Saturday night, he buried six three-pointers and poured in a game-high 29 points as the Hawks defeated the Sydney Kings, 114-90. His season so far is likely giving New Zealand coach Paul Henare something to think about.

FIBA