Penina Davidson

 

Northern Kāhu are delighted to announce the signing of Penina Davidson for the 2023 Tauihi Aotearoa season.

 

Penina is one of the premier New Zealand players in the game as she exhibited at the recent FIBA Asia Cup in Sydney where she was named to the All-Star 5. Averaging a near double-double of 13.6 points and 9.8 rebounds per game Penina played a huge part in the Tall Ferns finishing in the top four for the first time at an Asia Cup.

 

The 190cm forward last played in New Zealand in 2019 when she was named to the All-Star Five in the Women’s Basketball Championship after helping Harbour Breeze to the Grand Final.

 

Naturally Penina is looking forward to once again be playing in front of familiar faces.

 

“I am excited, I love being home. I also love playing for Jody (Cameron), it's been awesome working with her in the Tall Ferns so it'll be nice working with her in the Tauihi league.” 

 

Penina observed the 2022 Tauihi from the other side of the Tasman where she was playing and was impressed with what she saw.

 

“It was awesome to see women's basketball back up and running in New Zealand after covid had left us a little dry.

 

“It was also awesome to see our league attract international imports. The Māori language incorporation was also awesome to see.”

 

The former Rangitoto College standout has had little opportunity to play on home soil in recent years.

 

Initially she completed a four year scholarship at the University of California, Berkeley, graduating in 2018. She played a total of 130 games for the Golden Bears averaging 5.7 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. Started all 64 games for the Bears in her final two years.

 

Penina began her professional career playing for Adelaide Lightning in the Australian WNBL in 2018. She has since played four seasons for Melbourne Boomers winning a championship in 2022 and has recently re-signed for the 2023-24 season.

 

Returning to New Zealand to play for the first time in a while will be extra special for the Aucklander.

 

“Playing in front of my family will be very special. They are so supportive of me wherever I'm playing. It'll be nice to see them in the stands and after the game this time instead of on my screen.”