Madison - Kirk Penney made the cut.
The University of Wisconsin sophomore-to-be has been selected to play on the New Zealand Olympic team. Wisconsin coach Dick Bennett got word Tuesday through an e-mail from Penney's older sister, Lara, that was sent to John Finkler, a program assistant in the athletic department.
The 6-foot-5 guard from Auckland is part of a 12-man squad that will begin competition Sept. 19 in Sydney, Australia. His selection wasn't a surprise to Bennett, who felt Penney had a good shot of making the team.
"Today you can't take (for granted) being a good basketball player or being one of the best in your state much less your country," Bennett said. "Even though it's a smaller country, basketball now is known around the world, so I think that is a significant honor."
The Olympics, to be held from Sept. 15 to Oct. 1, will take Penney, 19, away from school for a portion of the first semester.
However, he received a waiver from the NCAA that allows him to compete in the Games and maintain his eligibility even though he won't be enrolled as a full-time student. He will have a reduced class schedule and complete work in New Zealand.
Bennett said Penney has yet to receive a waiver from the Big Ten Conference, but given the NCAA's approval, he expected one from the league soon.
Penney, who is expected to play a major role with the Badgers next season, averaged 3.7 points overall and 5.5 points in Big Ten Conference play as a freshman. He started six games, all in the Big Ten.
New Zealand, the last team to qualify for the Olympics, is grouped in the same pool with the United States. The two teams will play each other Sept. 23.
Penney will be busy the next few months. He will return to Madison in August and accompany the Badgers on their summer tour of Italy. He will then return to New Zealand before heading to the Olympics.
He will be back on campus in time for the start of Badgers practice.
