Kirk Penney
Encyclopedia
Kirk Samuel Penney is a New Zealander professional basketball player.
in the United States at the University of Wisconsin–Madison
from 1999 through 2003. Penney was named first-team All-Big Ten
during his junior and senior seasons and an honorable mention All-American during his senior season, where he averaged 16.2 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.1 assists.
Penney played in the 2000 Final Four
and formed a backcourt duo with one-time NBA all star Devin Harris
, now with the Utah Jazz
.
but reportedly received offers from the Minnesota Timberwolves
to play in the summer league a mere twenty minutes after the draft was complete. He led the league in 3-point accuracy of over 50% in his two stints as he was also there in 2004.
Penney finally got a taste of NBA action when the Miami Heat
signed him to a 10-day contract on 3 November 2003. Penney became the second New Zealander (after Sean Marks
) to play in the NBA and made his first ever NBA shot, a three-pointer from left corner. However, his stint was short-lived, being cut by the Heat just four days later.
He then played in the D-League
for the Asheville Altitude, where he was taken second in the player draft. He went on to be part of the winning 2004–2005 NBDL championship team, averaging 12.0 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 42 games.
During this time, Penney was signed by the Los Angeles Clippers
on 26 December 2004, and played sporadically in a four-game stint for until being waived on 3 January 2005.
Penney later signed with European powerhouse Maccabi Tel Aviv upon becoming a free agent after the 2004–05 season. Penney was often underplayed, rather used primarily as a shooter off the bench. Penney however was a part of Maccabi's win over NBA team the Toronto Raptors
in pre-season play for both teams (in October 2005). It marked a rare occasion that an NBA team had lost to a European-based team at home.
In the 2006–2007 season, Penney played for Žalgiris Kaunas
, but on 14 February 2007 he went to German team ALBA Berlin
.
, his home town team (as Penney attended nearby high school Westlake Boys High School).
Penney's addition to the previously unsuccessful Breakers proved to be the tonic for the Breakers success, with the team qualifying for their first ever finals series, before eventually finishing in sixth position overall. Individually, Penney was the league's third leading scorer, averaging 24.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.3 steals over 31 games, was a starter for the World All-Stars team, and named to the NBL's First Team as reward for his efforts.
In the 2008–09 season, Penney led the league in scoring and was first Kiwi
player ever to be named in the All-NBL First Team for consecutive seasons. He took home the Andrew Gaze
MVP trophy for leading the Breakers to their best season ever, averaging 24.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists over 28 games, making Penney the first Kiwi to be honoured with the award. Included in Penney's feats were being award the NBL Player of the Month in October 2008.
On 21 January 2010, Penney scored a career-high 49 points in a 103–89 win over the Adelaide 36ers
in Auckland, with his efforts being rewarded with the Player of the Week award.
of the NBA D-League. In his first outing he scored 12 points in 21 minutes against the Springfield Armor
. He followed that with a 31 point performance in his second outing (also against the Springfield Armor
), and then a 40 point, 8 rebound game against the Bakersfield Jam
.
In the 2010 NBA D-League playoffs Penney averaged 21.3 points 4.7 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game for the Skyforce as they lost their first round playoff series to the Tulsa 66ers
2-1.
In September 2010, Penney was invited by the San Antonio Spurs
to compete for a roster spot. He was waived on 11 October.
in the NBL
.
in Spain.
Penney was part of the Tall Blacks' memorable 2002 World Championships campaign as they surprisingly finished fourth. Penney averaged 16.9 points per contest and hit 45.5% of his three-point shots.
With the decline of Pero Cameron
, Penney has become New Zealand's marquee player on the international scene, but despite averaging 20.7 points during the Tall Blacks campaign for a 2008 Olympics berth, the team fell short of achieving their place at Beijing.
Penney, now one of the most senior Tall Blacks, is now captain of New Zealand. Penney led New Zealand to victory in the FIBA Oceania Championship 2009
, beating Australia 177-162 on aggregate, after the two-match tie was drawn 1-1. Penney was influential in both games, with 23 points and 4 assists in Game 1, and a virtuoso 24-point, 7-rebound and 10-assist performance in Game 2, thus winning the Al Ramsay Shield.
University of Wisconsin (1999–2003)
After playing high school basketball at Westlake Boys High School in New Zealand, and playing three seasons in New Zealand's National Basketball League, he played college basketballCollege basketball
College basketball most often refers to the USA basketball competitive governance structure established by the National Collegiate Athletic Association . Basketball in the NCAA is divided into three divisions: Division I, Division II and Division III....
in the United States at the University of Wisconsin–Madison
University of Wisconsin–Madison
The University of Wisconsin–Madison is a public research university located in Madison, Wisconsin, United States. Founded in 1848, UW–Madison is the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System. It became a land-grant institution in 1866...
from 1999 through 2003. Penney was named first-team All-Big Ten
Big Ten Conference
The Big Ten Conference is the United States' oldest Division I college athletic conference. Its twelve member institutions are located primarily in the Midwestern United States, stretching from Nebraska in the west to Pennsylvania in the east...
during his junior and senior seasons and an honorable mention All-American during his senior season, where he averaged 16.2 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.1 assists.
Penney played in the 2000 Final Four
2000 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament
The 2000 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament involved 64 schools playing in single-elimination play to determine the national champion of men's NCAA Division I college basketball. It began on March 16, 2000, and ended with the championship game on April 3 in Indianapolis, Indiana...
and formed a backcourt duo with one-time NBA all star Devin Harris
Devin Harris
Devin Lamar Harris is an American professional basketball player for the Utah Jazz of the National Basketball Association . Harris attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison...
, now with the Utah Jazz
Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz is a professional basketball team based in Salt Lake City, Utah. They are currently a part of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
.
Professional career overseas (2003–2007)
He was not drafted in the star-studded 2003 NBA Draft2003 NBA Draft
The 2003 NBA Draft was held on June 26, 2003 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. In this draft, National Basketball Association teams took turns selecting basketball players and other first-time eligible players, such as players from high schools and...
but reportedly received offers from the Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves are an American professional basketball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association . Founded in 1989, the team is currently owned by Glen Taylor...
to play in the summer league a mere twenty minutes after the draft was complete. He led the league in 3-point accuracy of over 50% in his two stints as he was also there in 2004.
Penney finally got a taste of NBA action when the Miami Heat
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat is a professional basketball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. The team is a member of the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference of the National Basketball Association . They play their home games at American Airlines Arena in Downtown Miami...
signed him to a 10-day contract on 3 November 2003. Penney became the second New Zealander (after Sean Marks
Sean Marks
Sean Andrew Marks is a New Zealand-American professional basketball player. He is the first native New Zealander to play in the NBA.-Basketball career:...
) to play in the NBA and made his first ever NBA shot, a three-pointer from left corner. However, his stint was short-lived, being cut by the Heat just four days later.
He then played in the D-League
NBA Development League
The NBA Development League, or NBA D-League, is the National Basketball Association's official minor league basketball organization. Known until summer 2005 as the National Basketball Development League , the NBA D-League started with eight teams in the fall of 2001...
for the Asheville Altitude, where he was taken second in the player draft. He went on to be part of the winning 2004–2005 NBDL championship team, averaging 12.0 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 42 games.
During this time, Penney was signed by the Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers are a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, United States. They play in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
on 26 December 2004, and played sporadically in a four-game stint for until being waived on 3 January 2005.
Penney later signed with European powerhouse Maccabi Tel Aviv upon becoming a free agent after the 2004–05 season. Penney was often underplayed, rather used primarily as a shooter off the bench. Penney however was a part of Maccabi's win over NBA team the Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors are a professional basketball team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association . The team was established in 1995, along with the Vancouver Grizzlies, as part of the NBA's re-expansion...
in pre-season play for both teams (in October 2005). It marked a rare occasion that an NBA team had lost to a European-based team at home.
In the 2006–2007 season, Penney played for Žalgiris Kaunas
BC Žalgiris
BC Žalgiris is a professional basketball team that is based in Kaunas, Lithuania. It is one of the oldest teams in the Euroleague and plays domestically in the Lietuvos krepšinio lyga , and regionally in the VTB United League...
, but on 14 February 2007 he went to German team ALBA Berlin
ALBA Berlin
-Depth Chart:* Denotes injured player.-Championships:*German Championships: 8 *German Cups: 6 *Korać Cups: 1 -Notable players:- Season by season :-External links:...
.
Return home (2007–2010)
He returned to New Zealand in June of the same year by signing with the New Zealand BreakersNew Zealand Breakers
The New Zealand Breakers are a professional basketball team competing in the Australasian National Basketball League. The Breakers joined the NBL for the 2003/04 season as one of two expansion clubs. The club is based in the city of Auckland, New Zealand and play their home games at the North...
, his home town team (as Penney attended nearby high school Westlake Boys High School).
Penney's addition to the previously unsuccessful Breakers proved to be the tonic for the Breakers success, with the team qualifying for their first ever finals series, before eventually finishing in sixth position overall. Individually, Penney was the league's third leading scorer, averaging 24.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.3 steals over 31 games, was a starter for the World All-Stars team, and named to the NBL's First Team as reward for his efforts.
In the 2008–09 season, Penney led the league in scoring and was first Kiwi
Kiwi (people)
Kiwi is the nickname used internationally for people from New Zealand, as well as being a relatively common self-reference. The name derives from the kiwi, a flightless bird, which is native to, and the national symbol of, New Zealand...
player ever to be named in the All-NBL First Team for consecutive seasons. He took home the Andrew Gaze
Andrew Gaze
Andrew Barry Casson Gaze is Australia's best known basketball player, and one of its most successful. He is considered as the greatest player in the history of the NBL....
MVP trophy for leading the Breakers to their best season ever, averaging 24.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists over 28 games, making Penney the first Kiwi to be honoured with the award. Included in Penney's feats were being award the NBL Player of the Month in October 2008.
On 21 January 2010, Penney scored a career-high 49 points in a 103–89 win over the Adelaide 36ers
Adelaide 36ers
The Adelaide 36ers are Adelaide's men's professional basketball team, established as the Adelaide City Eagles when they joined the National Basketball League in 1982. The Adelaide 36ers tally of four championships is equal with the Melbourne Tigers and second behind the Perth Wildcats as the most...
in Auckland, with his efforts being rewarded with the Player of the Week award.
Return to America (2010)
In March 2010, Penney joined the Sioux Falls SkyforceSioux Falls Skyforce
The Sioux Falls Skyforce is a professional basketball team that plays in the NBA Development League. They are based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States. The team plays at the Sioux Falls Arena. The Skyforce began in the CBA in 1989...
of the NBA D-League. In his first outing he scored 12 points in 21 minutes against the Springfield Armor
Springfield Armor
The Springfield Armor is a basketball team located in Springfield, Massachusetts, which plays in the NBA Development League. The Armor plays its home games at the MassMutual Center in Springfield's Metro Center neighborhood. The team is owned by HWS Basketball, LLC which is principally owned by...
. He followed that with a 31 point performance in his second outing (also against the Springfield Armor
Springfield Armor
The Springfield Armor is a basketball team located in Springfield, Massachusetts, which plays in the NBA Development League. The Armor plays its home games at the MassMutual Center in Springfield's Metro Center neighborhood. The team is owned by HWS Basketball, LLC which is principally owned by...
), and then a 40 point, 8 rebound game against the Bakersfield Jam
Bakersfield Jam
The Bakersfield Jam is an expansion franchise of the National Basketball Association Development League that began play in 2006-07. It plays its home games at the newly-built Jam Events Center in Bakersfield, California, United States, which had been built as their practice facility...
.
In the 2010 NBA D-League playoffs Penney averaged 21.3 points 4.7 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game for the Skyforce as they lost their first round playoff series to the Tulsa 66ers
Tulsa 66ers
The Tulsa 66ers are an NBA Development League team based in Tulsa, Oklahoma and the minor league affiliate of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Their logo design is a basketball behind mountains with a road leading up to them, all on a U.S...
2-1.
In September 2010, Penney was invited by the San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are part of the Southwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association ....
to compete for a roster spot. He was waived on 11 October.
Return to NBL (2010-11)
On 27 October 2010 he returned again to play for New Zealand BreakersNew Zealand Breakers
The New Zealand Breakers are a professional basketball team competing in the Australasian National Basketball League. The Breakers joined the NBL for the 2003/04 season as one of two expansion clubs. The club is based in the city of Auckland, New Zealand and play their home games at the North...
in the NBL
National Basketball League (Australasia)
The National Basketball League, also known as the iiNet NBL Championship for sponsorship reasons, is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in Australasia....
.
Return to Europe (2011-present)
In July 2011 he signed with Baloncesto FuenlabradaBaloncesto Fuenlabrada
Baloncesto Fuenlabrada, S.A.D. is a professional basketball team based in Fuenlabrada, Madrid, Spain, currently playing in the Liga ACB. The club was founded in 1981 as C.B. Fuenlabrada, and promoted to the Spanish Top Division in 1996...
in Spain.
New Zealand national team
Penney debuted for the Tall Blacks at the age of just 18 (in 1999) and has now represented the Tall Blacks, his country's national team, at two Olympic Games (in 2000 and 2004) and three world championships (2002, 2006 and 2010).Penney was part of the Tall Blacks' memorable 2002 World Championships campaign as they surprisingly finished fourth. Penney averaged 16.9 points per contest and hit 45.5% of his three-point shots.
With the decline of Pero Cameron
Pero Cameron
Sean Pero MacPherson Cameron MNZM, known as "Pero", is a former New Zealand professional basketball player. Cameron captained the NZ National Team from 2000 - 2010...
, Penney has become New Zealand's marquee player on the international scene, but despite averaging 20.7 points during the Tall Blacks campaign for a 2008 Olympics berth, the team fell short of achieving their place at Beijing.
Penney, now one of the most senior Tall Blacks, is now captain of New Zealand. Penney led New Zealand to victory in the FIBA Oceania Championship 2009
FIBA Oceania Championship 2009
The FIBA Oceania Championship for Men 2009 was the qualifying tournament of FIBA Oceania for the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey. For the first time, the tournament featured a best-of-two, home-and-away series between Australia and New Zealand. Game one was held in Sydney, New South Wales...
, beating Australia 177-162 on aggregate, after the two-match tie was drawn 1-1. Penney was influential in both games, with 23 points and 4 assists in Game 1, and a virtuoso 24-point, 7-rebound and 10-assist performance in Game 2, thus winning the Al Ramsay Shield.
Personal life
Kirk Penney is the brother of Rodd Penney, who is also a professional sportsman, and has played Rugby Union in Italy.Individual achievements
- 1998 New Zealand National Basketball LeagueNational Basketball League (New Zealand)The National Basketball League, often abbreviated to the NBL, is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in New Zealand.There were 10 teams in the 2010 season with teams based in Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, Invercargill, Nelson, New Plymouth, North Shore, Palmerston North,...
(NZNBL) Rookie of the Year - 1999 New Zealand NBL Outstanding Kiwi Guard
- 2007-08 Australasian NBL All-Star GameNBL (Australia) All-Star GameThe NBL All-Star Game is a special event basketball game run as part of the Australian National Basketball League. The All-Star game is usually held once a season between two teams composed of star players from that season. The first NBL All-Star Game was held in 1988 and was held every season...
- 2007-08 New Zealand BreakersNew Zealand BreakersThe New Zealand Breakers are a professional basketball team competing in the Australasian National Basketball League. The Breakers joined the NBL for the 2003/04 season as one of two expansion clubs. The club is based in the city of Auckland, New Zealand and play their home games at the North...
Fans' (season ticket holders) Player Award - 2007-08 New Zealand Breakers Players' Player Award
- 2007-08 New Zealand Breakers MVP
- 2007-08 All NBL First teamNBL (Australia) All NBL teams-NBL First Teams:* 1980 Cal Stamp, Danny Morseu, Brian Banks, Herb McEachin, Ian Davies and Ken Richardson* 1981 Rocky Smith, Danny Morseu, Al Green, David Nelson and Owen Wells* 1982 George Morrow, James Crawford, Leroy Loggins, Phil Smyth and Larry Sengstock...
- 2008-09 New Zealand Breakers Fans' (season ticket holders) Player Award
- 2008-09 New Zealand Breakers MVP
- 2008-09 All-NBL First Team
- 2008-09 Australasian NBL MVPNBL (Australia) Most Valuable PlayerAt the conclusion of each NBL game, both coaches award votes to the best players from that game. Each coach has 10 votes to allocate, with no more than 5 to be awarded to one player by each coach....
- 2009-10 All-NBL First Team
- 2010-11 All-NBL First Team
Team achievements
- 2004-05 NBA Development LeagueNBA Development LeagueThe NBA Development League, or NBA D-League, is the National Basketball Association's official minor league basketball organization. Known until summer 2005 as the National Basketball Development League , the NBA D-League started with eight teams in the fall of 2001...
champions (Asheville Altitude) - 2005-06 Israeli Basketball Super League champions (Maccabi Tel Aviv)
- 2005-06 Israeli Basketball State CupIsraeli Basketball State CupThe Israeli Basketball State Cup is the second most important basketball competition in Israel, after Ligat HaAl. The tournament began in the 1955-56 season, and is run by the Israel Basketball Association....
champions (Maccabi Tel Aviv) - 2005-06 EuroleagueEuroleagueEuroleague Basketball, commonly known as the Euroleague, is the highest level tier and most important professional club basketball competition in Europe, with teams from up to 18 different countries, members of FIBA Europe. For sponsorship reasons, for five seasons starting with 2010–2011, it is...
finalists (Maccabi Tel Aviv) - 2006-07 Lithuanian Basketball LeagueLietuvos Krepšinio LygaThe Lietuvos krepšinio lyga is Lithuania's premier professional men's basketball league, composed of 12 teams.- History :...
champions (Žalgiris KaunasBC ŽalgirisBC Žalgiris is a professional basketball team that is based in Kaunas, Lithuania. It is one of the oldest teams in the Euroleague and plays domestically in the Lietuvos krepšinio lyga , and regionally in the VTB United League...
) - 2006-07 Baltic Basketball LeagueBaltic Basketball LeagueBaltic Basketball League is a Baltic states basketball league founded in 2004.Currently, the league is divided into two: the Elite division and the Challenge Cup division. The 10 strongest Baltic basketball clubs participate in the Elite division. The rest of the teams compete in the Challenge Cup...
finalists (Žalgiris Kaunas) - 2007-08 Australasian NBLNational Basketball League (Australasia)The National Basketball League, also known as the iiNet NBL Championship for sponsorship reasons, is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in Australasia....
, quarter-finalists (New Zealand BreakersNew Zealand BreakersThe New Zealand Breakers are a professional basketball team competing in the Australasian National Basketball League. The Breakers joined the NBL for the 2003/04 season as one of two expansion clubs. The club is based in the city of Auckland, New Zealand and play their home games at the North...
) - 2008-09 Australasian NBL, semi-finalists (New Zealand Breakers)
- 2010-11 Australasian NBL, champions (New Zealand Breakers)
New Zealand national team
- 2000 William Jones CupWilliam Jones CupThe R. William Jones Cup is an international basketball tournament held annually in Taipei, Taiwan. It was named after Renato William Jones, a basketball promoter and one of the founders of the International Basketball Federation .The Jones Cup tournament started in 1977 and is held annually...
champions - 2000 Olympic GamesBasketball at the 2000 Summer Olympics-Group B:-Championship bracket:-Classification matches:-Preliminary round:The four best teams from each group advanced to the quarterfinal round.-Group A:-Group B:-Championship bracket:...
, 11th place - 2001 FIBA Oceania ChampionshipFIBA Oceania Championship 2001The FIBA Oceania Championship for Men 2001 was the qualifying tournament of FIBA Oceania for the 2002 FIBA World Championship. The tournament, a best-of-three series between and , was held in Auckland, Wellington and Hamilton...
, 1st place (gold) - 2001 Goodwill Games2001 Goodwill GamesThe 2001 Goodwill Games was the fifth and final edition of the international multi-sport event. The competition was held in Brisbane, Australia from 29 August to 9 September 2001. A total around 1300 athletes took part in 14 sporting competitions....
- 2002 FIBA World Championship2002 FIBA World ChampionshipThe 2002 FIBA World Championship was an international basketball tournament held by the International Basketball Federation in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA from August 29 to September 8, 2002.-Venues:-Squads:...
, 4th place - 2004 Olympic Games
- 2006 FIBA World Championship2006 FIBA World ChampionshipThe 2006 FIBA World Championship was an international basketball competition hosted by Japan from August 19 to September 3, 2006. It was co-organised by the International Basketball Federation , Japan Basketball Association and the 2006 Organizing Committee...
, 16th place - 2006 Commonwealth GamesBasketball at the 2006 Commonwealth GamesBasketball competitions at the 2006 Commonwealth Games were held between Match 16 and 24, 2006.The 2006 Commonwealth Games was the first Commonwealth Games at which the sport of basketball was played. It was one of the sports that took the Games to regional Victoria, with games being played in a...
, 2nd place (silver) - 2007 Boris Stankovic Cup
- 2007 Venezuela Tour of New Zealand
- 2008 New Zealand Tour of Canada
- 2008 New Zealand Tour of Slovenia
- 2008 FIBA Olympic Qualifying TournamentFIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Men 2008The FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Men 2008 was the final qualifying tournament for the 2008 Olympic men's basketball tournament...
- 2009 FIBA Oceania ChampionshipFIBA Oceania Championship 2009The FIBA Oceania Championship for Men 2009 was the qualifying tournament of FIBA Oceania for the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey. For the first time, the tournament featured a best-of-two, home-and-away series between Australia and New Zealand. Game one was held in Sydney, New South Wales...
, 1st place (gold) - 2010 FIBA World Championship2010 FIBA World ChampionshipThe 2010 FIBA World Championship, hosted by Turkey, was the international basketball competition contested by the men's national teams. The tournament ran from August 28 to September 12, 2010. It was co-organized by the International Basketball Federation , Turkish Basketball Federation and the...
, 12th place