David Pennisi
July 23, 2020
Michael Pennisi
- Nationality: PHI/AUS
- Date of Birth: 13/3/1975
- Place of Birth: Innisfail (QLD)
- Position: CTR
- Height (CM): 211
- Weight (KG): 107
- Junior Assoc: QLD - Tully
- College: Eastern Michigan (1994–1997)
- NBL DEBUT: 13/05/95
- AGE AT DEBUT: 20
- LAST NBL GAME: 27/02/99
- AGE AT LAST GAME: 23
- NBL History: Townsville 1995-96, 1999
- Championships: 0
- None
NICKNAME/S: Mick
BIO: Michael “Mick” Pennisi was born in Innisfail (QLD) and was raised in nearby suburb Silkwood. An Australian-Filipino, Pennisi was a talented left-handed 3-point shooter.
He played three seasons with the Townsville Crocodiles before moving to the Philippines. where he played the majority of his career.
FAMILY: Michael’s brother, David Pennisi also played 150 games in the NBL. Pennisi holds Australian, Italian, and Filipino passports due to his heritage, with an Italian father and an Ilocano mother.
NBL EXPERIENCE
Michael Pennisi made his NBL debut with the Townsville Suns at 20 years of age. He scored four points in his first game.
Townsville coach Mark Bragg chose to overhaul the Suns’ roster for the 1995 NBL season, opting not to re-sign veteran Graham Kubank and import duo Darryl Johnson and fan-favorite Ricky Jones. In their place, the team brought in Derek Rucker (via Newcastle), dominant big man Clarence Tyson (via the USA), and Shane Froling (via Brisbane) to strengthen their core.
Returning from the previous season were Cameron Dickinson, David Blades, Lucas Agrums, and Brendan LeGassick, providing continuity as Townsville looked to push for a playoff spot.
Rucker (30.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists) and Tyson (24.6 points, 14.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists) led the team offensively, while Cameron Dickinson (20 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, 1.3 steals) emerged as the team’s top local talent. Despite showing promise, Townsville struggled with a lack of firepower, as no other player on the team averaged more than seven points per game. The Suns finished in 11th place (9-17), missing the postseason for the third consecutive season.
Mick Pennisi (1.6 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 0.1 assists) played a limited role in his rookie season, appearing in nine games.
1996
The Suns entered the 1996 season with coach Mark Bragg aiming for improvement but ultimately finished with an identical 9-17 record, once again falling outside the playoff picture.
Team captain Derek Rucker (26.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 8.2 assists, and 2.6 steals) and Clarence Tyson (22.8 points, 14.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, 1.3 steals) continued to lead the team in most statistical categories, while Cameron Dickinson (20.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists, 1.4 steals) emerged as the team’s best local talent. However, the team lacked the depth to compete with the league’s top squads.
At the end of the season, Tyson was voted the club’s MVP.
TOWNSVILLE CROCODILES
1998/99
The 1998/99 NBL season marked a significant transition for Townsville, as the team rebranded from the Suns to the Crocodiles after a trademark dispute with the NBA’s Phoenix Suns. To avoid paying royalties on merchandise sales, the franchise adopted the Crocodiles name, which was not only synonymous with Queensland but also linked to Australia’s 1997 gold medal-winning 22-and-under junior team, featuring coach Ian Stacker and Sam MacKinnon.
Alongside the new name, Townsville underwent a major roster overhaul, with only David Pennisi, Simon Kerle, Brad Davidson, and Jason Cameron returning from the previous season. Stacker quickly reshaped the team by securing Robert Rose, an outgoing import from Canberra, as the franchise’s new leader. He also added Andrew Goodwin (via North Melbourne) and import James Harper (via South Florida University) to strengthen the starting lineup.
The team was led by Rose (21.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.3 steals), who topped most statistical categories and played a league-high 47.2 minutes per game. MacKinnon (16.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2 steals) provided elite athleticism and rebounding, while Goodwin (14.7 points, 7.3 rebounds) bolstered the frontcourt.
Despite showing flashes of brilliance at home (9-4 record), Townsville struggled on the road and lacked the depth to compete with the league’s top teams. They finished 7th with a 12-14 record, narrowly missing the NBL playoffs.
David Pennisi showed growth in his role, playing in 21 games and averaging 7.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 0.4 assists. His ability to contribute on both ends helped stabilize the team’s second unit, particularly at home, where the Crocodiles were tough to beat. Mick Pennisi (2.3 points, 2.1 rebounds) provided solid contributions off the bench and had the chance to play alongside his brother David Pennisi (7.0 points and 3.6 rebounds) this season as well.
Pennisi moved to the Philippines in 2000 and played the rest of his career in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
Michael Pennisi played three seasons the Townsville Suns. This included the Townsville Suns. He averaged 2.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.3 assists in 31 NBL games.
Dan Boyce is a die-hard Sydney Kings fan who grew up in Melbourne during the roaring 90's of Australian Basketball and spent far too much time collecting Futera NBL Basketball cards.
NBL TOTAL STATISTICS
| SEASON | AGE | TEAM | TEAM RECORD | GP | MINS | PTS | REB | AST | OR | DR | STL | BLK | TO | PF | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% | HS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998-99 | 24 | Townsville | 12-14 (7) | 16 | 145.0 | 37 | 34 | 3 | 14 | 20 | 3 | 4 | 16 | 22 | 10 | 30 | 33% | 3 | 10 | 30% | 14 | 20 | 70% | 47% | 38% | 15 |
| 1996 | 21 | Townsville | 9-17 (11) | 6 | 73.0 | 19 | 13 | 6 | 5 | 8 | 4 | 0 | 9 | 13 | 6 | 17 | 35% | 2 | 3 | 67% | 5 | 8 | 63% | 46% | 41% | 6 |
| 1995 | 20 | Townsville | 9-17 (10) | 9 | 63.0 | 14 | 10 | 1 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 13 | 46% | 0 | 0 | 0% | 2 | 4 | 50% | 47% | 46% | 4 | Totals | 31 | 281 | 70 | 57 | 10 | 26 | 31 | 10 | 6 | 31 | 41 | 22 | 60 | 36.7% | 5 | 13 | 38.5% | 21 | 32 | 65.6% | 47% | 41% | 15 |
NBL PER GAME STATISTICS
| SEASON | AGE | TEAM | TEAM RECORD | GP | MINS | PTS | REB | AST | OR | DR | STL | BLK | TO | PF | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% | HS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998-99 | 24 | Townsville | 12-14 (7) | 16 | 9.1 | 2.3 | 2.1 | 0.2 | 0.9 | 1.3 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 1.0 | 1.4 | 0.6 | 1.9 | 33% | 0.2 | 0.6 | 30% | 0.9 | 1.3 | 70% | 47% | 38% | 15 |
| 1996 | 21 | Townsville | 9-17 (11) | 6 | 12.2 | 3.2 | 2.2 | 1.0 | 0.8 | 1.3 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 1.5 | 2.2 | 1.0 | 2.8 | 35% | 0.3 | 0.5 | 67% | 0.8 | 1.3 | 63% | 46% | 41% | 6 |
| 1995 | 20 | Townsville | 9-17 (10) | 9 | 7.0 | 1.6 | 1.1 | 0.1 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 1.4 | 46% | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0% | 0.2 | 0.4 | 50% | 47% | 46% | 4 | Total | 31 | 9.1 | 2.3 | 1.8 | 0.3 | 0.8 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 1.0 | 1.3 | 0.7 | 1.9 | 36.7% | 0.0 | 38.5% | 0.2 | 0.4 | 65.6% | 47% | 41% | 15 |
CAREER HIGHS
| POINTS | REBOUNDS | ASSISTS | STEALS | BLOCKS | TURNOVERS | TRIPLE DOUBLES | 15 | 8 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
|---|
STATE LEAGUE EXPERIENCE
- Burdekin 1994, 1998
In 1994, Pennisi averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds for the Burdekin Wildcats in the WA state league. After college he returned to the club and played state league again in 1998
FIBA EXPERIENCE
Pennisi represented the Philippine national team in international competitions. Notably, he suited up for the Philippines for the 2002 Busan Asian Games and the 2007 and 2009 FIBA Asia Championships.
| Season | Team | PTS | AST | STL | BLK | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 30% | 32% | 46% | 62% | ||||||
| 2 | 0 | 15 | 3 | 2 | 1 | ||||||
| Total | 22 | 60 | 36.7% | 5 | 13 | 38.5% |
NBA TOTAL STATISTICS
| YEAR | AGE | TEAM | POS | GP | GS | MINS | PTS | TRB | AST | ORB | DRB | STL | BLK | TOV | PF | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | FT | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998-99 | 24 | Townsville | 12-14 (7) | 16 | 145.0 | 37 | 34 | 3 | 14 | 20 | 3 | 4 | 16 | 22 | 10 | 30 | 33% | 3 | 10 | 30% | 14 | 20 | 70% | 47% | 38% | 15 |
| 1996 | 21 | Townsville | 9-17 (11) | 6 | 73.0 | 19 | 13 | 6 | 5 | 8 | 4 | 0 | 9 | 13 | 6 | 17 | 35% | 2 | 3 | 67% | 5 | 8 | 63% | 46% | 41% | 6 |
| 1995 | 20 | Townsville | 9-17 (10) | 9 | 63.0 | 14 | 10 | 1 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 13 | 46% | 0 | 0 | 0% | 2 | 4 | 50% | 47% | 46% | 4 | Total | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Phillipines - Batang Red Bull (2000–2008), San Miguel Beermen / Petron Blaze Boosters (2008–2011)
Mick Pennisi was recruited by expansion team Batang Red Bull in 2000 and quickly became one of the franchises key players. Alongside Lordy Tugade, Junthy Valenzuela, and Davonn Harp, he helped lead Red Bull to three PBA championships, winning back-to-back Commissioner’s Cup titles in 2001 and 2002, as well as the Fiesta Conference in 2006.
Pennisi made an immediate impact in his debut season in 2000, averaging 10.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game while playing a team-high 39.2 minutes across 35 games. In 2001, his minutes dipped, but he remained a key contributor to Red Bull’s championship run, posting 7.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks across 41 games. In 2002, limited to just 12 games, he still managed to average 8.3 points and 6.5 rebounds while shooting 43.2% from the field and 34.5% from three-point range.
In 2003, Pennisi bounced back with a strong all-around campaign, averaging 10.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks per game while shooting a career-best 39.8% from three-point territory. He continued that consistency into the 2004–05 season, putting up 11.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game over 32 appearances. During Red Bull’s 2005–06 title-winning campaign, he added 8.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks per game in 65 contests.
During his time with Red Bull, Pennisi established himself as one of the league’s most reliable big men, particularly as a stretch big who could space the floor with his outside shooting. His best statistical season came in 2006–07, where he averaged 10.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting 34.9% from three-point range.
He closed out his Red Bull tenure in 2007–08 with another solid season, averaging 8.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks per game across 50 games while maintaining an efficient 37.6% from long range.
In 2008, Red Bull traded Pennisi to the San Miguel Beermen, where he continued his success. He added two more championships to his resume, winning the 2009 Fiesta Conference and 2011 Governors’ Cup with San Miguel, which was later rebranded as Petron Blaze.
By the 2007–08 Philippine Cup, Pennisi had become one of the league’s premier three-point shooting big men, finishing as the third-most prolific three-point shooter in that conference, behind former teammate Mike Hrabak and Ren-Ren Ritualo. Across his career, Pennisi consistently ranked among the top big men in three-point shooting, finishing with a career 35.5% three-point shooting percentage.
From 2008 to 2011 with San Miguel, he continued to contribute as a stretch big, averaging 6.8 points and 5.1 rebounds in 25.0 minutes per game during the 2008–09 season while shooting 35.0% from beyond the arc.
In 2009–10, he improved his shooting further, hitting 40.0% of his threes and 96.2% of his free throws across 46 games. The 2010–11 season saw him average 3.9 points and 3.5 rebounds per game in a reduced role, still maintaining strong shooting numbers with an 88.2% clip from the free throw line.
In 2011, Pennisi was dealt to Barako Bull, where he took on the role of veteran leader. On March 21, 2012, he made history by hitting his 700th career three-pointer, becoming only the eighth player in PBA history to reach that milestone. That same game, he also went viral for a delayed flop reaction, which became a lighthearted moment among basketball fans.
Pennisi remained a productive contributor with Barako Bull, averaging 7.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 23.3 minutes per game during his first season with the team in 2011–12, while shooting 34.1% from three. He maintained that level of consistency over the next two seasons, putting up 8.1 points and 4.5 rebounds in 2012–13, followed by 9.0 points and 5.4 rebounds in 2013–14 while shooting an impressive 41.5% from long range. His consistent outside shooting continued into his later seasons, including a 40.2% mark from beyond the arc in 2015–16, proving his enduring value as a floor-spacing big man.
He had a short stint with the Purefoods Star Hotshots during the 2014–15 season, where he served as a role-playing big man, contributing his signature outside shooting and veteran presence.
In September 2015, Pennisi returned to Barako Bull, which was later rebranded as the Phoenix Fuel Masters in 2016. He remained a valuable floor-spacing big man, helping the young franchise establish itself in the league. That season, he shot 40% from three-point range while averaging 5.1 points and 3.2 rebounds per game.
In November 2016, Pennisi was traded to GlobalPort Batang Pier, where he played his final PBA season. At 42 years old, he announced his retirement in September 2017, finishing an incredible 17-year career just 33 points away from becoming a member of the PBA’s 5,000-point club.
For his PBA career, Pennisi played in 662 games, averaging 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game, while shooting 40.7% from the field, 35.5% from three-point range, and 74.8% from the free-throw line. His ability to stretch the floor as a big man made him one of the most unique and impactful frontcourt players of his era.
COLLEGE
Pennisi played three seasons of college basketball at Eastern Michigan University (1994-1997).
As a freshman (1994-95), Pennisi played limited minutes but was efficient, averaging 2.4 points and 1.5 rebounds while shooting an impressive 64% from the field.
By his sophomore year (1995-96), he developed a reputation as a hard-nosed defender, averaging a foul every 4.3 minutes. Despite playing just 8 minutes per game, he played a key defensive role in the 1996 NCAA Tournament, where Eastern Michigan pulled off a stunning 75-60 first-round upset over Duke. He logged 18 minutes in that game, frustrating Duke’s Greg Newton with his physical play.
In his junior season (1996-97), Pennisi became a regular contributor, starting 23 of 32 games and averaging 4.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 15.9 minutes per game. He showcased his versatility by shooting 49.5% from the field and hitting 6-of-13 three-pointers (46.2%), proving he could step outside and score from beyond the arc. He also added 23 assists, 12 steals, and 10 blocks, demonstrating his all-around game.
During his time at Eastern Michigan, Pennisi played alongside future NBA guard Earl Boykins and NBL talent Theron Wilson and Brian Tolbert, helping the Eagles maintain a competitive presence in the MAC.
AWARDS
- 5× PBA champion (2001, 2002, 2006, 2009, 2011)
- 2× PBA All-Star (2003, 2009)
LIFE AFTER BASKETBALL
After retiring Pennisi relocated to Thailand to mind his poultry business
Related
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