Basketball New Zealand

Warning: file_exists() [function.file-exists]: open_basedir restriction in effect. File(/var/www/vhosts/basketball.org.nz/httpdocs/resources/uploads/2007/06/200604-edit.thumbnail.jpg) is not within the allowed path(s): (/home/bbnz/:/tmp:/usr/local/lib/php/) in /home/bbnz/domains/tallblacks.org.nz/public_html/wp-includes/post.php on line 3943

NZ Breakers guard Kirk Penney (Photosport)

A year-long courtship has culminated in NZ Tall Black Kirk Penney signing with the Harvey Norman NZ Breakers for the forthcoming Philips Championship basketball season.

The 26-year-old guard, one of only two New Zealanders to ever play in the NBA, will join the club after the Tall Blacksí international programme. He will make his Breakers debut on September 20 at the North Shore Events Centre.

Penney has not been based in New Zealand since he left for the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1999. A desire to return home and a chance to help the Breakers up the Australian NBL ladder were the driving forces behind his signing.

ìIíve been gone a while, so Iím looking forward to coming home,î Penney said. ìTo get the opportunity to play for the Breakers at a time where you can help make a difference and attempt to turn fortunes around is something I want to do.î

Penney said Breakers coach Andrej Lemanis had been in touch with him ìfor well over a yearî and a homecoming had been lingering in the back of his mind.

ìIt wasnít the path I thought Iíd be taking, but the cards have fallen the right way and I canít tell you how much Iím looking forward to this season,î Penney said.

ìI have a gut feeling about things. Itís the right time to re-connect with home and I want to enjoy a season with a great group of people. Family is important to me, and the Breakers seem to be a supportive family-oriented environment. Iím going in with all my heart.î

Penney is well aware of the Breakersí history and was disappointed to see a lengthy losing streak derail their promising play-off hopes last season.

ìThatís the nature of sport; sometimes there are specific factors and other times itís just luck.

ìBut I can see the direction the Breakers are heading in and I feel like itís going to be a fun journey. Iím not going to look too far ahead, simply prepare as well as possible for the challenges and enjoy the ride.î

Penney is impressed with the roster the Breakers are shaping and is looking forward to sharing the court with former Boomers star Tony Ronaldson.

ìHeís played at a high level for a long period of time and heís got it all – size, skill, leadership. You just canít replicate that experience.

ìAnd Iím looking forward to being with a core group of Tall Blacks and some great young guys.î

Lemanis is in no doubt that Penneyís signing, which is subject to approval from the ABNL, is ìa major coupî for the Breakers.

ìOnly two Kiwis have played in the NBA. Heís one of them,î Lemanis said. ìAnd to play as an import in the extremely cut-throat European leagues speaks volumes for his playing ability.

ìFor me, all that is awesome, but getting to know him better over this past year Iím equally excited about the quality of the guy as an individual. He has great values and will be a superb fit with the club.

ìHeís also a proud New Zealander and he wants his country to do well on the world stage. Heís determined to help the Breakers make a major impact in the ANBL and the fact that heís coming now, when heís in his prime, is exciting.

“To join us when heís got the world at his feet is a gutsy move and weíre rapt to have him. Heís made that leap of faith and weíll all be working hard to ensure we repay that faith.î