Basketball On The Internet.

PENNY Taylor’s WNBL return tomorrow and alongside fellow WNBA championship-winning teammate Cappie Pondexter is huge for basketball in Australia.

It has been 12 years since Penny won her second consecutive league MVP award and headed overseas to test her mettle against the rest of the world.

She has proven herself in every environment, her class and dignity also shining through.

Pre-sales of tickets for her return with Dandenong Rangers tomorrow against Townsville Fire at Dandenong were up more than 50 per cent earlier today and her second game this weekend against Melbourne Boomers also should draw a big attendance.

With what Taylor has achieved – and the difficulties she has experienced and weathered – it is fabulous to have her back playing in Australia.

“It certainly has captured the imagination of the basketball community but not only that but also talkback radio, social media – there’s been a lot of general interest,” Basketball Australia CEO Anthony Moore said.

“It is fantastic for the league.”

It also is fantastic for Dandenong, which was in danger of slipping off the pace.

Forget that now.

Reuniting at the Rangers with Pondexter, with whom she won the 2007 and 2009 WNBA championships at Phoenix Mercury before the Gold Medal-winning USA guard headed to New York Liberty, is another bonus.

“It’s been difficult for Dandenong, losing two players (Liz Cambage and Monica Wright) the way it did,” Taylor said.

“I’m really looking forward to playing with Cappie again.

“I really respect her game and what she’s done and what she’s still doing.

“It’s great for the league to have her playing in it.”

As for Pondexter departing from the Mercury to the Liberty, Taylor said there was no residue from that decision.

“Cappie had to make a decision for herself and that had nothing to do with me,” Taylor said.

RANGER REUNION: Cappie Pondexter in action for Dandenong.

“I’m thrilled she is here.

“Having her here definitely presents it (the WNBL) as an option.

“The pay is better than it used to be – I was once the ‘spare parts girl’ at Jayco when I wasn’t playing – and Europe has had its struggles financially.

“The lifestyle here is a big attraction.

“I mean, you see a lot of soccer players now coming here to see out their careers and that’s really great.”

Taylor said she didn’t plan too far ahead these days but has bought a house in Los Angeles.

“I love it there and my dog is there,” she said.

For more on Penny’s triumphant return to Australia, check out these News Corp features: http://bit.ly/1zzyJYs  http://bit.ly/10wRdcN  http://bit.ly/1Eo4HXB