After 17 years of playing in the PBA, Mick Pennisi, one of the best shooting big men the league has ever produced, is calling it quits.
The 6-foot-9 center’s contract with GlobalPort ended by the end of August and the veteran slotman decided to finally end a long fruitful career that saw him won five championships, two All-Star selections, and inclusion in the national teams several times.
Pennisi told GlobalPort coach Franz Pumaren of his intention to retire as he wanted to concentrate on his poultry business.
The Fil-Australian player had a wonderful career in the PBA. He came to the league Year 2000, joining the Batang Red Bull Thunder team coached by Yeng Guiao and immediately became an integral part of the squad.
In just his second season, Pennisi won a championship while playing for the Photokina franchise and helping the squad claiming another title the following season in partnership with several key players that include Willie Miller, Davon Harp, Jimwell Torion, Junthy Valenzuela and Lordy Tugade among others.
Pennisi isn’t just your typical big man and there’s a better reason why he stayed long enough in the PBA.
He has wide range in his game. He’s probably one of the all-time best shooting big men the PBA has ever produced. His three-point shooting accuracy redefined centers playing in the pro league, giving every team he played for a new dimension in their game.
But more than his inside and out game, Pennisi is also a decent defender, part of the reason why he played for the national team several times. At a time when previous Philippine squads didn’t have naturalized players, he was able to fill in that huge hole at the middle alongside Asi Taulava.
Inside the court, Pennisi brings in the fun element in basketball. He is one of the jolliest players out there, but able to strike a balance between his fierce competitiveness and happy personality.
During the 2009 FIBA Asia Championship in Tianjin, China Pennisi would stumble a Kia Picanto, one of the well-loved compact cars in the industry up to date, and the veteran player decided to purchase the brand as soon as he went back home.
He would fit in his long frame to drive this small vehicle. He considered it one of his most precious possessions, especially at a time when fuel prices continuously goes up.
But behind Pennisi’s happy persona, there was a dark moment, too, that nearly overshadowed his career.
In 2005, the big man accidentally fell on Eugene Tejada during the game between Red Bull and Purefoods at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City. Tejada was unable to continue playing after his body was nearly paralyzed after suffering a spinal column injury.
The incident haunted Pennisi for many years as he had difficulty moving on from that incident, but knowing the guy, there was no evil intent on his part. He continued with his journey and for the next 12 years, he would find a spot at every team he’s needed.
In 2012, Pennisi made the headlines and ended up in ESPN’s blooper videos. He is still considered the best flopper the PBA has ever produced.
The lefty center is leaving the game happy and contented, but more than the comic relief he provided us, Pennisi has established a legacy — a legacy that big men can also become multi-skilled, which will serve as their ticket to longevity.
Rey Joble has been a sportswriter covering the PBA games for more than a decade. He is a member of the PBA Press Corps and Philippine Sportswriters Association, the oldest journalism group in the country.
