Penney enjoying mentor role

Kirk Penney says he is enjoying being the Tall Blacks captain and mentoring the younger players on the Europe tour

23 July 2009
Tall Blacks captain Kirk Penney is adjusting to life as the elder statesman of the New Zealand basketball team.

Penney is leading the young side in its current tour of Europe, without stalwarts Sean Marks, Pero Cameron, Dillon Boucher, Paul Henare and Phill Jones.

"I'm just hoping that the boys can understand what it is to be part of the Tall Blacks culture that we have established over the last ten years that I've been a part of it."

He says it is strange to look back on his years with the national side and see how his role has changed.

"You go from 1999 when I was 18 and then the 2000 Olympics I was 19-years-old. I mean I'm 28, I'm not exactly a veteran of the game but I guess I've been with the Tall Blacks for a long time."

Penney says he has become a mentor to the younger players.

"You know what's going through their minds, cause it went through your mind. You know - wanting to back yourself, but not sure how much you should take on as a role. And those that are capable will step up."

New Zealand play Estonia in their second match tomorrow, after losing their first game 58-49.

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