Basketball: Penney faces tall order at NBA camp

A late invitation to a pre-draft camp in Chicago has kept Kirk Penney's National Basketball Association dream alive.

After ending a stand-out college career with the University of Wisconsin, the Tall Blacks guard faces a huge challenge to earn selection in the NBA draft next month.

Next week, he has the chance to impress franchises at the camp, notorious for selfish play as candidates try to make their mark.

Penney was originally on standby and got a call-up when several college players pulled out due to a change in eligibility rules. He attended a tournament camp last month but was not at his best, shooting just one of 10 three-pointers. Outside shooting is usually a strength and he will need to improve next week to catch the scouts' attention.

Tall Blacks coach Tab Baldwin yesterday said it was generally acknowledged that Penney would not be a top-20 pick in the 58-choice draft. "But it all depends on who is watching and what type of player they are looking for," he said. "It's very difficult to predict what teams will require."

Baldwin said Penney would probably receive more invitations to NBA try-out camps after the draft was finalised.

"Kirk wants to be a professional and play in the highest league possible. I'd expect him to take the best offer."

Penney's desire to pursue an NBA career will mean Baldwin is unlikely to see him this season for a series against the Czech Republic in July in New Zealand and an international series in Turkey in August.

- NZPA