Basketball: Kirk Penney set to return to New Zealand Breakers

Kirk Penney in action for the Illawarra Hawks against the New Zealand Breakers. Photo/Getty.

Kirk Penney looks set to make a return to the New Zealand Breakers after his current club the Illawarra Hawks confirmed he would not be with them next season.

Reports suggest Penney will return to his former club that the veteran shooting guard last played for between 2007-2010, a period that culminated in him leading the Breakers to their first ANBL title win.

The 35-year-old Tall Blacks shooting guard spent the 2015-2016 season with the Hawks but the Australian franchise confirmed family reasons would prevent him from re-signing.
He and wife Audra welcomed the arrival of their first baby, Olivia, prior to the start of last season.

"The Illawarra Hawks regret to announce that due to family reasons, Kirk Penney will not be returning to the club for the 2016-17 NBL season," the Hawks announced today on their Facebook page.

"Kirk informed the club late last week of his decision, and we wish him and his family all the best for the future."

The Breakers were not able to be reached for comment on Penney's possible re-signing but a press conference has been scheduled for tomorrow morning.

One report suggests Penney had secured a three-year deal with his hometown club which would likely draw the curtain on long and fruitful career that began in 2003.

A star at schoolboy level with Westlake Boys High, Penney's professional career took off after four years playing at the University of Wisconsin.

He reached the highs of the NBA with stints at the Miami Heat (2003) and Los Angeles Clippers (2004-2005) and spent much of his career playing throughout Europe.

A strong last season with the Hawks showed he still has what it takes at the top level and he now looks poised to return to make one final contribution at the Breakers.

The Breakers announced on Saturday that centre Alex Pledger had re-signed on a three-year contract, while other seasoned campaigners Mika Vukona, Tom Abercrombie and Corey Webster are also on-board for next season.

The addition of Penney would leave the Breakers with five confirmed starters for 2016-17 with six more players still to be confirmed.