JK ROLLING TO MAGICAL MILESTONE
Kenny relishes brothers as he reaches NBL game No. 200, writes Harry Murtough
JARROD Kenny’s career might be filled with championship confetti and thrilling playoff hunts, but it’s his brothers in arms he remembered most fondly as he ran onto the court at the Snakepit for his 200th game.
The 36-year-old Taipan and former Perth Wildcat hadn’t thought too much about the milestone, but knew his time was coming after fellow Snakes veteran Nate Jawai hit his 200th earlier this season.
“I haven’t really thought too much about it, when Nate reached his 200th I knew mine was coming up but I wasn’t completely aware of which game it was,” Kenny said.
“It’s just another game, we haven’t had the best season and a win tonight would mean more for the team than for me.”
The Auckland-born point guard started his NBL career with the Wildcats in 2015, playing three season and winning two championships.
“Winning a championship or two in this league is up there,” Kenny said.
“I thought we had a great chance a couple of years ago with the Taipans –
those runs on court are special and ones you won’t forget quickly.”
Kenny has also had success in his home country in the NZNBL with the Hawke’s Bay Hawks, leading the league in assists in 2017 and 2019, winning co-defensive player of the year in 2020 with the Otago Nuggets.
It was with the Nuggets that Kenny had his highest scoring game – a 28-point run against the Manawatu Jets in June 2020.
But the silverware will all be for nought once Kenny decides to hang up the sneakers – having said it’s the bond he’s built during his career that matter more to him.
“The things you remember are the friendships you make rather than the on-court successes and highlights that might occur,” he said.
“It’s the bonds you make with people along the way, we’ve been fortunate enough to meet incredible people and form friendships for life.
“Looking back, that’s more of the things I remember over wins and losses.”
As for his retirement, Kenny will let his body and father time duke it out to decide whether he’s ready to call time.
“I’d love to make it to 300th or 400th but it’s out of my control,” Kenny said.
“I wish all professionals had that certainty in life but it’s out of our hands and as an athlete.
“It’s a business at the end of the day and if you’re not performing well, you won’t see those milestones.
“I’m just trying to get to 201 on Sunday.”
Kenny suited up for the Taipans against the South East Melbourne Phoenix on Friday night.