Penney has what it takes _ coach
Waikato Times; Hamilton, NZ

Oct 9, 1998

ANDERSON, Ian

Another NBA Kiwi prospect?

Kirk Penney's mentor Tony Bennett believes so, and he should know -- he's been there.

Bennett, player-coach at the North Harbour Kings and former Charlotte Hornets guard, believes the 17-year-old has all the attributes to one day play in the US competition.

Penney was the most-watched player on day one of the under-20 championships in Morrinsville yesterday and did not disappoint, scoring 27 points for Basketball North against Basketball South and then 35 points against United Eight.

His team lost the first game 80-64 after transport problems meant it arrived late and with only seven players, but bounced back to win the second game 90-60.

The guard won this year's national basketball league Rookie of the Year title and is regarded as the most precocious talent in New Zealand since Nevada University Las Vegas college player and Wellington Wizard Mark Dickel.

Penney was the NBL's second-best three-point shooter in the 1998 season.

Yesterday didn't provide Penney with a memorable start to the tournament, however, as he hurt an ankle and his side was upset by its well-drilled opposition.

Waikato men's team was beaten 80-62 by Basketball East and 85-45 by South, while the women beat South 64-53.