Penny Hardaway

Memphis and spent 14 seasons in the NBA, famed as a four-time NBA All-Star and a two-time All-NBA First Team Member.

Hardaway started his basketball career at a young age, excelling in high school and at college in Memphis where he was named as an All-American. Hardaway’s incredible talent led him to impress the Orlando Magic, who selected him in the 1993 NBA draft. He made an immediate impact on the league as the point guard, winning the MVP award at the inaugural Schick Rookie Game and runner-up for the Rookie of the Year. In 1996, Hardaway played on the US Olympic Games Basketball Team, taking home a gold medal in a momentous win. The 1999 season was Hardaway’s final season with the Orlando Magic, following which he joined the Phoenix Suns until 2004 and subsequently the New York Knicks until 2006. The following year, Hardaway was signed by the Miami Heat for a season. It was in 2011 that he made the move into coaching and now serves as head coach at his alma mater, the Memphis Tigers, a position he has held since 2018.

Outside of basketball, Hardaway has acted in a few prominent roles, notably Blue Chips (1994) and The Magic Moment (2016). He further proves his career versatility and business acumen with his ventures, including a barbershop and beauty salon in Memphis and a turf business in Miami. Hardaway’s philanthropic efforts shine through with his funding of key sport facilities and support of the local economy in Memphis. He has a staggering 400k+ following on his social media profile, actively sharing these pursuits and coaching successes to his avid fanbase.