Where is Penny Hardaway Now? Why is Penny Hardaway Suspended?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Nov 11, 2023
Where is Penny Hardaway Now?
As of now, Penny Hardaway's current location remains unknown. However, his impact on the basketball world in 2023 is undeniable. During this year, he led Memphis to clinch the championship in the American Athletic Conference and secure a position in the highly competitive 2023 NCAA Tournament. Despite facing a controversial elimination in the tournament against FAU, Hardaway's commitment to shaping the lives of young athletes continues to leave a lasting mark on his basketball legacy post-retirement.
Hardaway's journey from a celebrated NBA career to coaching has been marked by notable contributions. In 2011, he demonstrated compassion by taking on the coaching role at Lester Middle School when his friend Desmond Merriweather encountered health challenges. Beyond the basketball court, he implemented a mandatory tutoring program with the goal of ensuring that each player under his guidance would graduate from college. This dedication translated into success as the Lester Lions, under his coaching, secured the West Tennessee State title with a thrilling 58–57 victory and concluded the season with an impressive 28–3 record.
In 2018, Hardaway further solidified his post-retirement path by becoming the head coach of his alma mater, the Memphis Tigers. His immediate impact was evident as he led the Tigers to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) in his inaugural year. Hardaway's ability to attract top talent shone through as he successfully recruited the nation's number one class, featuring standout players such as James Wiseman, D. J. Jeffries, Boogie Ellis, and others.
Beyond the pursuit of accolades, Penny Hardaway's coaching philosophy extends beyond on-court success. He places a strong emphasis on the holistic development of his players. This philosophy bore fruit in 2023 when Memphis achieved a significant milestone by winning the American Athletic Conference championship and earning a coveted spot in the 2023 NCAA Tournament.
Who is Penny Hardaway?
Penny Hardaway is a prominent figure in American basketball, currently serving as the head coach of the Memphis Tigers men's team in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). Known by his nickname "Penny," he initially gained recognition as a player, having played college basketball at the University of Memphis.
His impact on the court extended to the professional level, where he enjoyed a successful 14-season career in the National Basketball Association (NBA). During his time in the NBA, Hardaway earned four NBA All-Star selections, highlighting his exceptional skills and contributions to the sport.
Beyond his playing career, Penny Hardaway transitioned into coaching, bringing his wealth of basketball knowledge to guide the next generation of players. As the head coach of the Memphis Tigers, he continues to leave his mark on the game, drawing from his extensive experience both as a player and a leader on the court. Hardaway's dual role as a respected former NBA player and a current college basketball coach reflects his enduring influence on the sport at multiple levels.
Full Name
Penny Hardaway
Date of Birth
July 18, 1971
Place of Birth
Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
Age
52
Listed Height
6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
Listed Weight
215 lb (98 kg)
High School
Treadwell (Memphis, Tennessee)
College
Memphis (1990–1993)
NBA Draft
1993: 1st round, 3rd overall pick
Playing Career
1993–2007
Position
Point guard / shooting guard
Jersey Numbers
25, 1, 7
Coaching Career Start Year
2015
Current Position
Head Coach
League
American Athletic Conference
Penny Hardaway Career
Penny Hardaway's basketball journey began at Treadwell High School in Memphis, where he showcased remarkable talent, averaging 36.6 points, 10.1 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 3.9 steals, and 2.8 blocks in his senior year. This outstanding performance earned him the prestigious title of Parade Magazine National High School Player of the Year. Hardaway's high school career culminated with an impressive 3,039 points.
Moving on to Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis), Hardaway faced academic challenges, causing him to sit out the 1990–91 season due to academic ineligibility under Proposition 48. Despite overcoming this setback, his college journey was marked by a robbery incident and a gunshot wound to the foot. Despite these challenges, he made a successful return to the court, earning All-American honors, and ultimately chose to enter the 1993 NBA Draft.
Selected by the Golden State Warriors in 1993, Hardaway was quickly traded to the Orlando Magic, where he began a stellar NBA career. His rookie season earned him All-Rookie honors, and he played a pivotal role in the Magic's first playoff berth and a 50-win season. The 1994–95 season saw Hardaway achieve his first All-Star selection, lead the Magic to the NBA Finals alongside Shaquille O'Neal, and earn All-NBA First Team recognition. Despite a Finals loss, Hardaway's performance was exceptional, averaging 25.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 8 assists.
In subsequent seasons, Hardaway continued to shine, earning All-NBA First Team selections, representing the USA in the 1996 Olympics, and becoming the franchise player for the Magic after O'Neal's departure. However, a knee injury in 1996 and subsequent surgeries began to impact his explosiveness. Traded to the Phoenix Suns in 1999, Hardaway continued to contribute, forming BackCourt 2000 with Jason Kidd.
He later played for the New York Knicks and briefly rejoined O'Neal with the Miami Heat in 2007 before retiring. Despite injury setbacks, Hardaway's impact on the NBA is enduring, and his career is marked by All-Star appearances, playoff performances, and contributions to multiple teams.
At Fresherslive, our mission is to bridge the gap between news and readers, making current events and trending stories easily digestible for your convenience. We strive to provide you with the latest scoop on global happenings.
Penny Hardaway Early Life
Penny Hardaway's roots trace back to a family with ties to Memphis and Oakland. Born to Fae Hardaway and Eddie Golden, his unique first name, Anfernee, was inspired by a schoolmate of his mother. In 1974, when Fae moved to work in Oakland, she entrusted the care of her son to her mother, Louise, leaving Penny under the guidance of his grandmother during his formative years.
Growing up in the Binghampton neighborhood of Memphis, Penny's early life was shaped by the close-knit community of shotgun houses. Despite his initial passion for football, Penny's grandmother steered him toward basketball to avoid potential injuries. The affectionate nickname "Penny" originated from his grandmother's southern drawl, turning "Pretty" into the moniker he would become widely known by.
During his teenage years, Penny immersed himself in sports, not only as a player but also as a referee for youth sports at the Memphis YMCA. Additionally, he showcased his skills as a basketball player on the Jr. Olympic team, laying the groundwork for the remarkable journey that would unfold in his basketball career.
Penny Hardaway Personal Life
Penny Hardaway's family is an integral part of his life, and he has been a devoted father to four children. His two sons, Jayden and Ashton, are actively following in their father's footsteps by playing basketball at the University of Memphis, where Penny holds the position of head coach. This familial connection not only reflects a shared love for the sport but also underscores the close-knit ties within the Hardaway family.
In addition to his sons, Penny has two daughters born in 1992 and 1995, both of whom he shares with his former girlfriend from high school. While specific details about his family life are relatively private, the public is aware of the basketball coach's dedication to his children.
Penny Hardaway Net Worth
Penny Hardaway Net Worth is $50 million. His primary source of income is derived from his involvement in basketball, encompassing various roles within the sport. Penny Hardaway serves as the head coach of the University of Memphis men's basketball team. His coaching contract with the university constitutes a significant portion of his income, with compensation determined by the terms and conditions negotiated in his coaching agreement.
Former professional athletes often secure endorsement deals and sponsorships. While the extent of Penny Hardaway's current endorsement deals is not always publicly disclosed, such arrangements with sports-related brands or other companies can contribute to his overall income. Like many former athletes, Hardaway may be involved in various business ventures. These could include investments, ownership stakes in basketball-related enterprises, or other entrepreneurial pursuits.
Penny Hardaway Age
As of 2023, Penny Hardaway stands at the age of 52, marking a career that has been characterized by remarkable achievements in the realm of basketball. From his standout performances in the NBA, where he earned multiple All-Star selections, to his current role as the head coach of the University of Memphis men's basketball team, Hardaway's impact on the sport has spanned decades. Beyond his playing days, his coaching prowess has led the Memphis Tigers to notable successes.
Why is Penny Hardaway Suspended?
Penny Hardaway was suspended on June 21, 2023, for the initial three games of the 2023-24 Memphis basketball season. This disciplinary action was imposed due to his violation of regulations prohibiting in-person visits to a recruit's home during the fall months of their junior year in high school. The violation underscores the importance of adhering to recruitment guidelines, and the suspension serves as a consequence for the breach of these established rules within collegiate basketball.
Where is Penny Hardaway Now - FAQs
Following his illustrious career in the NBA, Penny Hardaway seamlessly transitioned into a coaching role and has since made a significant impact on the basketball community.
Penny Hardaway was suspended on June 21, 2023, for the initial three games of the 2023-24 Memphis basketball season. This disciplinary action was imposed due to his violation of regulations prohibiting in-person visits to a recruit's home during the fall months of their junior year in high school.
Penny Hardaway started his coaching career in 2011 when he coached Lester Middle School, taking over for a friend undergoing treatment for colon cancer.
Penny Hardaway has four children: two sons, Jayden and Ashton, who play basketball at the University of Memphis, and two daughters born in 1992 and 1995.
In 2023, Penny Hardaway led the Memphis Tigers to an American Athletic Conference championship and secured a berth in the 2023 NCAA Tournament, although the team faced elimination in controversial fashion to FAU.