Anfernee Deon “Penny” Hardaway, born on July 18, 1971, in Memphis, Tennessee, is a former professional basketball player and current college basketball coach. Renowned for his versatility on the court, Hardaway played as a point guard, shooting guard, and small forward during his 14-season NBA career.
Playing Career:
- College: Hardaway played college basketball at the University of Memphis from 1991 to 1993, earning consensus first-team All-American honors in 1993.
- NBA: In the 1993 NBA Draft, Hardaway was selected third overall by the Golden State Warriors but was immediately traded to the Orlando Magic. He achieved four NBA All-Star selections and three All-NBA Team honors while playing for the Magic. He also had stints with the Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, and Miami Heat.
Coaching Career:
- After retiring as a player, Hardaway began his coaching career in 2015 as an assistant at East High School in Memphis. He became the head coach there in 2017. In 2018, he returned to his alma mater, the University of Memphis, as the head coach of the men’s basketball team. Under his leadership, the Tigers won the American Athletic Conference championship in 2023 and earned a berth in the NCAA Tournament.
Recent Developments:
- In December 2024, Hardaway’s Memphis team secured a 64-62 victory against Virginia, improving their record to 6-0 against Atlantic Coast Conference teams under his coaching.
- In September 2024, Nolan Smith joined Hardaway’s coaching staff at Memphis, marking a significant addition to the team’s leadership.
Hardaway’s journey from a celebrated NBA career to a dedicated coaching role at his alma mater highlights his enduring commitment to basketball and his community.