Leading the Jayco Opals to the Bronze Medal in Turkey, with a brilliant 74-44 win over the host nation to secure a podium finish, Taylor was outstanding throughout the tournament, solidifying her reputation as one of the modern greats.
The 33-year-old had 13 points, five rebounds, nine assists and two steals in the Bronze Medal game, going on to average 12 points (14th) on 46.6% FG (11th) and 93.3% FT (1st), 4.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists (2nd) and 1.2 steals at 16.0 efficiency (8th).
All-Star Five honours comes as a timely reward for Taylor who missed much of the past two years after suffering a serious knee injury prior in early 2012, resulting in her missing the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Setbacks on the comeback trail restricted Taylor to just 10 games in the 2013 WNBA season, but 2014 saw the three-time WNBA Champion return to her best.
Taylor, alongside Jayco Opals teammate Erin Phillips, would play a key role in helping the Phoenix Mercury to the WNBA title, playing all but two games for the season.
Involved in the national team program for more than a decade, Taylor has established herself as one of the best players of the modern era to play in the green and gold.
Since a breakout 2002 FIBA World Championship for Women, Taylor has gone on to play at four World Championships and two Olympic Games, winning five medals in the process.
Headlining those medals was the famous Gold Medal won as part of the Jayco Opals 2006 FIBA World Championship for Women team.
The then 25-year-old would be named tournament MVP and All-Star Five, averaging 18 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game.
FIBA World Championship for Women – Results
G1: Jayco Australian Opals 90-57 Cuba
G2: Jayco Australian Opals 87-54 Korea
G3: Jayco Australian Opals 87-45 Belarus
QF: Jayco Australian Opals 63-52 Canada
SF: Jayco Australian Opals 70-82 Team USA
BMG: Jayco Australian Opals 74-44 Turkey
Jayco Australian Opals Team – 2014 FIBA World Championship for Women
Rebecca Allen – Melbourne Boomers
Natalie Burton – Melbourne Boomers
Cayla Francis – Townsville Fire
Laura Hodges – Adelaide Lightning
Rachel Jarry – Melbourne Boomers
Tessa Lavey – Bendigo Spirit
Leilani Mitchell – Sydney Uni Flames
Erin Phillips – Phoenix Mercury (WNBA)
Gabrielle Richards – Bendigo Spirit
Belinda Snell – Bendigo Spirit
Penny Taylor – Phoenix Mercury (WNBA)
Marianna Tolo – Bourges (France)
Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Brendan Joyce
Assistant Coaches: Damian Cotter and Lori Chizik
Technical Assistant Coach: Scott Butler
For all the latest on the Jayco Opals ahead of their journey to Turkey be sure to visit the BA website at www.basketball.net.au.
