New Breakers recruit Kirk Penney has officially announced his retirement from international basketball, bringing the curtain down on a 15 year Tall Blacks record that included four World Championships and two Olympic Games.
Penney’s news comes just a week out from the naming of the Tall Blacks side heading to the Philippines for a final shot at Olympic qualification. Penny said he feels the time is right and to let the next generation take centre stage.
“It has been difficult to make the call to retire from the Tall Blacks. I wanted to keep the option alive as it has meant so much to me and been a big part of my life for so long. I wanted to be sure that this was the right time. I believe it is and I believe the talented generation coming though can take the Tall Blacks to greater heights in the years ahead.”
One of only three New Zealanders to feature in the NBA, shooting guard Penney made his New Zealand debut in 1999 at the tender age of 18, his precocious and pure shooting talent ensuring that he would go on to be a regular pick throughout the 2000’s as New Zealand enjoyed a golden run with a golden group of athletes.
During that time the Tall Blacks played at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, finished fourth at the 2002 FIBA World Champs and played at the 2004 Athens Olympics. The team would also feature at the 2006, 2010 and 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain – in what will prove to be his swansong at the top level.
Penney is returning to New Zealand in August to begin pre-season training with the SKYCITY Breakers, having signed a three year deal with the four time NBL Championship winning club.
Newshub