Out of touch: Olympics dominate Penney's focus

By Gary D'Amato of the Journal Sentinel staff

Last Updated: Sept. 17, 2000

 

Sydney, Australia -- Apparently, news doesn't travel very fast Down Under.

 

Kirk Penney, a sophomore guard on the University of Wisconsin basketball team, knows next to nothing about the shoe scandal that has rocked the athletic department.

 

"I've just found out a few things about it by looking at the Internet," he said. "To

tell you the truth, I don't even know what's happening at the moment."

 

It's not that Penney doesn't care. It's just that he's been preoccupied with something a little bigger than a sneaker scandal: the 2000 Olympic Games.

 

Penney, 19, is a reserve guard for New Zealand, which is making its Olympic debut in men's basketball.

 

On Sunday, the Kiwis played their first-ever Olympic game, losing to France, 76-50, in the preliminary round.

 

The 6-foot-5 Penney, a native of Auckland, played 12 minutes 31 seconds and scored two points on a pair of second-half free throws. He missed all three of his shots, grabbed one rebound and had one steal.

 

For the record, Penney is not involved in the shoe scandal at UW. He didn't even know which of his teammates were included among the athletes who allegedly received unadvertised discounts at a shoe store in Black Earth, Wis.

 

"Do you know who they are?" Penney asked a reporter, then cut him off in mid-answer.

"Stop there," he said. "That's enough. I don't want to think about that right now. I'll deal with it when I get back."

 

In the meantime, Penney is enjoying his Olympic experience.

 

"This is the pinnacle of international sport," he said. "So to be competing out here with the most sensational athletes in the world is a real honor."

 

New Zealand is to play the U.S. men's team Saturday. Penney will get a chance to run with National Basketball Association stars such as Ray Allen and Vince Carter, which he chooses to think of as a great experience rather than a sheep being led to slaughter.

 

"It will be a truly special day," he said. "I can't wait. It's going to be awesome, but that's a couple of games away yet."

 

A little more than five months ago, Penney helped the Badgers reach the NCAA Final Four. Now he's an Olympian.

 

"They're both unbelievable experiences, and I'm obviously enjoying this one," Penney said. "It's gone well. Basketball-wise, it's our first Olympics, so it's exciting. I'm lucky to be a part of it."

 

Penney received a waiver from the NCAA that allows him to compete in the Games and maintain his eligibility, even though he is not enrolled as a full-time student. He is to return to Madison on Oct. 5 and will be back on campus in time for the start of Badgers practice.

 

"Do I miss school?" he said with a grin. "No, it's good being here. It's the ultimate experience. I'll get back whenever I get back."

 

 

Appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Sept. 18, 2000.