Perhaps one of the most recognisable basketball players to come out of New Zealand, Kirk Penney has decided to retire at the age of 37.
And as a tribute, the New Zealand Breakers, four-time winners of the National Basketball League of Australia performed a traditional haka dance after they were eliminated by Melbourne Utd in the playoff semi-finals.
What a career, the @NZBreakers show respect to @kirkpenney in the most moving fashion post-game with the Tall Blacks traditional haka. You'll be missed, Kirk #NBL pic.twitter.com/GBSyxx77fN
— NBL (@NBL) March 5, 2018
Auckland-born Penney has enjoyed a storied career, that has seen them travel the world with a stop in the NBA for the Miami Heat in 2003. He also played for EuroLeague sides Maccabi Tel Aviv and Zalgiris before bouncing around Spain and Turkey.
He headed to Australia in 2015, where he played for Illawarra Hawks before ending his career with his hometown club based in Auckland.
Kirk Penney right now. Us right now. Everybody right now. #đ˘ #NBL18Finals pic.twitter.com/QhFiDgVWHA
— NBL (@NBL) March 5, 2018