Breakers’ guard Kirk Penney is eager to set the record straight against Cairns in their NBL opener this Sunday.
The Taipans were a bogey side for the New Zealand club last season, winning all four match-ups against the Kiwis.
It was just the second time in seven seasons they fell out of the top four and failed to reach the playoffs.
Penney admits they will be up against it, but the team see it as an opportunity to set a different tone for the 2017-2018 season.
“They have been our bogey team, they are well-coached and they have a good team and a good, smart group and it’ll be good for us to try and get a season win against them,” Penney said.
“We’re looking forward to going out and actually play our first real one.”
In terms of preparation and why the outcome will be different, Penney is keeping his cards close to his chest, but is hopeful last season’s injury woes won’t be an issue this campaign.
“There’s not a whole lot we can say right now, it’s just putting in the work and seeing how we shape up on Sunday,” Penney said.
“I think through the practice and pre-season it’s been really good and now when we get put in the fire in these real games, it’ll be good for us to continue to build and bond and become a team we want to be.
“But I think having everyone healthy; having a good balance in our squad, obviously there’s a lot of optimism.”
The prospect of also having new American recruit, D.J Newbill, Thomas Abercrombie and himself sharing game time on the court has Penney excited.
“We’ve got DJ, Tom and I in the two-three spots rotating through, it’s a nice tri-factor there, some really good weapons and I think it’s going to be fun for everyone to watch us work together as we do," Penney said.
Newshub staff