After 17 years of playing in the PBA, veteran Mick Pennisi is signing off.
Despite the PBA season still ongoing, the 6-foot-9 sweet-shooting center has decided to retire right after the expiration of his contract with GlobalPort.
Batang Pier head coach Franz Pumaren confirmed the news to InterAksyon.
“He talked to me about that a few months ago. He said he wanted to concentrate on his poultry business,” Pumaren said.
Pennisi started his PBA career in 2000 as a direct recruit by Red Bull where he made his mark as a unique center who can shoot from the outside.
After winning three championships in eight years with coach Yeng Guiao, Pennisi went on to play for San Miguel where he won two more crowns; Barako Bull, Star, Phoenix and, finally, GlobalPort.
He also played for the national team from 2002 to 2009, serving as one of the country’s main big men in the international scene.
Before retiring, Pennisi, now 42, was one of the six players aged at least 40 who still active in the PBA, joining Asi Taulava, Jayjay Helterbrand, Danny Seigle, Dondon Hontiveros and Rafi Reavis.
In 2012, Pennisi made headlines as his epic flop, which saw him react very late after being hit by the ball, amused basketball fans worldwide.
