Q&A with Kirk Penney
Junior guard Kirk Penney of Wisconsin received Big Ten Men's Basketball Player of the Week accolades in consecutive weeks for his exceptional offensive performances in contests against in-state rivals Marquette and Wisconsin-Milwaukee and non-conference foe Tennessee. Two weeks ago against Marquette, Penney poured in a career-high 33 points while shooting 77 percent from the field in leading the Badgers past the previously undefeated Golden Eagles, 86-73. Last week versus UWM, Penney recorded his first career double-double by scoring 29 points and collecting 13 rebounds in the Badgers' 81-79 victory. He finished the week by posting 16 points in Wisconsin's win over the Volunteers. The native New Zealander recently spoke with John Regenfuss of the Big Ten Conference about his early-season offensive explosion, his Olympic experience, and the adjustments he has made to life in the United States.
Coach Ryan's offensive and defensive philosophies appear somewhat different than Coach Bennett's. Do you think this is true and, if so, how do you think their approaches are different?
In comparing the two coaches, they are both very good coaches. They both are very accomplished coaches. They both have systems that work. Coming into this year, there were some differences but also quite a few similarities. They both focus on defense and are both effective in their systems.
Do you think Coach Ryan's offensive system is partially responsible for allowing you become a more prolific scorer thus far this season?
I think that Coach Ryan's system allows players to play both inside and outside so they able to both post-up and play in the perimeter. This aspect just adds another dimension to your game and allows for a player to be more complete. It is really allowing a lot of us on this team to score more points.
You made it to the Final Four with your Badger teammates as a freshman. Being so young and from a different country, was it difficult for you to understand the magnitude and the level of national excitement that is associated with the event?
No, I don't believe so at all. I followed college basketball back home and it was always a dream of mine to come over here and play basketball. So, I knew exactly what it meant. Although in hindsight, maybe it means even a little more now. After getting there straightaway and then last season falling out early in the tournament, you really appreciate it even more as time goes on. But, at the time, it wasn't like it was just another game to me. I knew it was on the national stage and even the international stage.
You played on the New Zealand Olympic basketball team at the 2000 Sydney games. What did the opportunity to experience Olympic competition and represent your country mean to you?
To me, playing in the Olympics is the biggest accomplishment an athlete can have in sports. It is something I dreamed of but never really thought it would come to be. When it did, it was just unbelievable to be a part of the Olympic experience. Matching up with guys like Vince Carter and Ray Allen and other NBA players was just an honor. It was quite an experience for all of us.
During your game this year against Georgia Tech, ESPN showed a clip of you involved in the Haka, a traditional ceremony that you and your Olympic teammates engaged in before competition? What is the purpose of the ceremony and what does it represent?
It is a challenge that runs back to the roots of New Zealand Maori culture. It is performed by most New Zealand sports teams before they take part in events. It is a very proud part of the culture. It is done to raise your intensity and to share the culture with other countries. A lot of people have responded to that clip and love it.
Being originally from New Zealand and coming to the United States, what has been some of the more prominent things you have had to adjust to?
As time goes on, I am feeling more and more comfortable here. From a basketball stance, I think playing in the Big Ten is very physical but that is something that I have always really liked. Back home, basketball is fairly physical; you kind of grow up with a rugby mentality. The one thing in contrast is the athleticism you see over here. Here there are just pure athletes. It is amazing just watching some players. That was definitely an adjustment to try to counter those kinds of players. And I still am trying. Off the court, I think a big thing is just trying to eat well. It seems that everyone here eats fast foods all the time. I am always trying to make sure that my diet is not too bad. That is one thing that I am always trying to work on.
What do you miss most about your homeland?
Obviously, I miss my family first and foremost. The weather, too. Being in Wisconsin, the winters can be pretty harsh. It makes it more difficult knowing that it is summer back home. My Mom called me up over Christmas and was telling me about herself being on the beach and watching the waves. I was just jealous as can be.
You played four years of prep volleyball. Did you ever consider attending a university that would allow you to play both basketball and volleyball?
To be quite honest, I didn't really ever consider it. I came here through my relationship with (Assistant Coach) Tony Bennett and with his Dad being at Wisconsin at the time, it seemed like a perfect fit. I really enjoy volleyball but I knew after high school my love was for basketball. I really leaned towards playing basketball and getting the opportunity to play college ball in the United States was just so attractive to me. Volleyball just kind of faded away then.