The world of college basketball has seen legendary players who have transitioned from the NBA to the NCAA, bringing their experience and talent to the collegiate stage. One such figure is Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway, a Memphis native who not only made a name for himself in the NBA but is now making waves as the head coach of the Memphis Tigers.
As we gear up for the Battle 4 Atlantis 2023, let's dive into the remarkable journey of Penny Hardaway, both as a player and coach, and see how he's leading his team to new heights.
Penny Hardaway's basketball journey began in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. He played college basketball at the University of Memphis before being selected in the first round of the 1993 NBA draft.
This marked the start of a stellar NBA career that spanned 14 seasons. During his time in the NBA, Penny established himself as a force to be reckoned with, earning four NBA All-Star selections and two All-NBA First Team honors.
After retiring as a player, Penny Hardaway took on a new challenge — coaching.
Coach Hardaway is now in his sixth season as the head coach of the Memphis Tigers. Under his leadership, the Tigers have experienced significant success, including a 26-9 overall record and back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances.
But one of the most significant achievements was claiming the American Athletic Conference championship with a thrilling victory over No. 1 Houston, securing the program's first-ever AAC crown.
Hardaway is one of only three coaches in Memphis basketball history to win 20 or more games in each of their first five seasons.
As the 2024 Battle 4 Atlantis tournament approaches, Memphis is gearing up for an exciting season.
While the team has just two returning players from the previous season seniors Malcolm Dandridge and Jayden Hardaway, Coach Hardaway has brought in 13 new players, including nine transfers. This blend of experience and fresh talent promises an intriguing season for Memphis basketball.
What makes this season even more special is the fact that Coach Hardaway is now coaching both of his sons. Freshman, Ashton Hardaway, has joined the Tigers' roster to play alongside his older brother Jayden.
"We're very excited to be invited to play against some of the best teams in the country in one of my favorite places on earth,” said Hardaway. “Atlantis will be a wonderful experience for us, and it will prepare us for the rest of the season. We look forward to making the trip down."
So mark your calendars, grab your tickets, and prepare for an unforgettable Thanksgiving spectacle!
Purchase tickets by following the link below!