Penny Taylor Inducted Into FIBA Hall Of Fame

Melbourne’s very own Penny Taylor has now been enshrined in basketball history with her induction into the FIBA Hall of Fame, class of 2023 - which occured last night in Manila (Phillipines) ahead of the Men's FIBA World Cup.

Hailing from the East of Melbourne, Taylor's basketball journey is nothing short of an amazing story of talent, determination, and achievements spanning 19 remarkable years. Taylor's parents enrolled her in the Belgrave South Red Devils basketball club at the age of 4. The camaraderie helped overcome her shyness, and eventually move to the Nunawading Spectres where she had a great junior career and represented Vic Metro.

Taylor combined an elite skill set with a basketball IQ that was second to none. She was the quintessential competitor, always rising to challenges and leading both her country and club teams with an elegance and grace that few can match.

It was Taylor's indomitable spirit that drove the Opals, Australia's women's national basketball team, to their crowning glory at the 2006 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup. She showcased an uncanny ability to shine in clutch moments, proving pivotal in big games. This was never more evident than when she netted a staggering 26 points in the Semi-Final against Brazil and an even more impressive 28 against Russia in the championship game. Her performance was not only instrumental in Australia clinching their maiden global gold medal at a senior event but also earned her the well-deserved MVP of the tournament.

Throughout her career, Taylor graced the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup on four distinct occasions. She debuted with a bronze in 2002 and capped her appearances with another bronze in 2014, where she still dazzled enough to be included in the All-Star Five.

In addition to her World Cup achievements, Taylor proudly represented Australia in three Olympic Games: Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, and Rio 2016. She played a central role in leading the Opals to the Finals in Athens and Beijing, securing back-to-back silver medals. Sadly, an ACL injury robbed her of a chance to compete in London 2012.

Beyond the international stage, Taylor's prowess extended across the WNBL, Europe and the WNBA, where she bagged numerous accolades and championships with the Phoenix Mercury. Now, residing in Phoenix (Arizona) with her wife, Diana Taurasi (one of the greatest to ever lace them up), and their children, Leo and Isla, Taylor's legacy remains an inspiration. Her imprints on the world of women's basketball will forever motivate aspiring players, reminding them of the heights one can achieve with passion and dedication.