Anfernee Deon "Penny" Hardaway (born July 18 1971, in Memphis, Tennessee) is an American professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association . I think weve got a good chance to win the conference and make a run in the tournament, for sure. College basketball fans across the nation became familiar with Hardaway in his first collegiate season, 1991-92, when he averaged 17.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 2.5 steals on the way to being named an All-American. [17] He wore jersey number 7, marking the first time in his pro career that he didn't wear number 1. As of November 16, 2022, he is a member of the Tigers organization. "HARDAWAY INTERNALIZED ALL THE DOUBTS HE WOULD HEAR ABOUT WHETHER HE COULD SUSTAIN HIS SUCCESS. The crowd roared. College basketball fans across the nation became familiar with Hardaway in his first collegiate season, 1991-92, when he averaged 17.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 2.5 steals on the way to being named an All-American. Hardaway was selected in 1993 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors but was traded along with three future first-round picks to the Orlando Magic. Conference regular season and conference tournament champion Alex Lomax stayed at home to play for Memphis only after his coach and mentor, Penny Hardaway, took over the Tigers program. GitHub export from English Wikipedia. Many of us were raised in the same manner by my mom, and she had a lot of aid from our dad.. He nailed three three-pointers in a span of less than two minutes. And now here he stood in Memphis' gleaming basketball facility, handing Hardaway his artistic tribute to . The $30 million facility, named the R. Brad Martin Student Wellness Center and Plaza, is scheduled for a spring 2021 opening. Memphis coach Penny Hardaway directs the team against Iowa State during the second half of an NCAA . Gradually, he emerged from danger. For more footwear news, Nike introduces the Air Max 90 Scrap . Stephon Marbury of the New York Knicks, musician Ja Rule and New York Knicks members Allan Houston, Tim Thomas and Penny Hardaway pose together at a. Cal Ramsey, Penny Hardaway, Miss Usa Susie Castillo, Ronald . The 200304 NBA season saw Hardaway shuffle in and out of the Suns starting lineup. That went so far as his coaching resume so far at the university becoming the center of an argument between two cousins about that subject on July 3 led to a gun fired and charges filed for attempted second-degree murder, according to WREG Memphis. In the season opener against South Carolina State, he scored a career-high nine points. Elvis Presley's Childhood Home with Lunch & Transportation from Memphis. [9], Hardaway was selected by the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the 1993 NBA draft (third pick overall), but was traded along with three future first-round picks to the Orlando Magic for the rights to first overall pick Chris Webber. He guided the Tigers to the N.I.T. "Coach Hardaway has rejuvenated Memphis basketball and has shown. He is better known by his full name Anfernee Deon Hardaway. He is the runner-up for Rookie of the Year Award in 1994. In the playoffs the Magic fell 02 to the Miami Heat in the first round. Latarsha McCray, a high school sweetheart, was the impetus for his initial public appearance. TABLE OF CONTENTS. Some games were laughably lopsided: 69-6, 70-8, 67-4. The Suns gave the eventual Champion San Antonio Spurs a scare in the first round before losing in six games. Penny Hardaways mother and father were Fae Hardaway and Eddie Golden. Many people on the internet have said Hardaway's mother couldn't spell Anthony and mistakenly wrote Anfernee. According to Steven Johnson of the Daily Memphian, the school recently received. That day he scored 42 points in Orlando's home win against New Jersey, 130-122. collection is LaTanfernee. To see find out more about Penny Hardaway's son, his basketball career so far . But, his roots started at Treadwell . MEMPHIS - Basketball fans shuffled quickly into the gymnasium to escape an unseasonably cold winter night in Memphis earlier this month.Among them was Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway, his head teetering above the crowd of middle schoolers. Necklaces and pendants from the L.H.X. Hes teamed with a foundation aimed at promoting youth sports and fighting childhood obesity. Anfernee Deon "Penny" Hardaway (born July 18, 1971) is an American college basketball coach and former professional player who is the head coach of the Memphis Tigers men's basketball team in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). Hardaway eventually reached out to Wayne via Instagram to exchange phone numbers, and a few weeks later Wayne flew to Memphis to visit his family and hand deliver the artwork. Their other favorite son, Penny Hardaway, is putting his legacy on the line to revitalize the Tigersand the city. Class A.A.A. He finished his high school career with 3,039 points. Despite injury, he was voted to start NBA All-Star Game for fourth straight year, and had six points and three assists in 12 minutes at New York. "Been waiting for this one, Penny," he says. The rising star, who was raised by his mom, Nikki Ward, in Miami, is heading into his third season as a Tiger. He averaged 8.7 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 34 games for the Suns. On July 18, 2022, a baby boy was born to them. Mary's age is estimated to be around 50. The team traded for guard Joe Johnson during the season which relegated Hardaway to the bench for the first time in his career. Their beauty speaks of strength and nobility of character. The Magic's intent was to draft Webber and pair him with Shaquille O'Neal until Hardaway whose desire was to play alongside O'Neal requested a second workout to show why he should be their pick. Nick Merriweather had seen his father battle through cancer. [16] Injuries to Hardaway's foot and Kidd's ankle allowed them to play just 45 games together (3312 with both in lineup). Mikey Williams (born June 26, 2004) is an American high school basketball player from San Diego, California, who attends San Ysidro High School.He previously played for Vertical Academy, an extension of Lake Norman Christian High School, in North Carolina after originally attending and transferring from San Ysidro. Penny Hardaway Wife Age & Net Worth. and is very close to the University of Memphis. Tigers in 20 will tackle the week's hottest topics and take a look at some of the most talked Memphis news stories on the horizon within the 20 to 29 minute time frame. I lived the dream. [17] He averaged 2.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2 assists in those games. The Conference Semi-Finals pitted Hardaway against his former teammate Shaquille O'Neal and the Lakers. He also was a finalist for the Naismith College Player of the Year and the John R. Wooden Award that are annually given the most outstanding player in college basketball. While recovering from surgery, he realized how . He and Hardaway traded questions, Hardaway inquiring about art and Wayne asking about the Tigers upcoming season. He was immediately traded to the Orlando Magic. Links: en.wikipedia.org. Conference regular season champion at him from across the gym. Tyler Harris, another local star, chose Memphis after Hardaway's announcement. Phil Taylor. It was expected to boost the Memphis-area economy by generating over $14.5 million in annual visitor spending and directly supporting 236 local jobs. In the playoffs the Knicks lost in the first round to the New Jersey Nets. She constantly encouraged and cheered her son as he worked toward his professional goals. Inconsistent play by young Joe Johnson allowed Hardaway to get back into the starting lineup early in the season. A boy playing for his ailing father did something extraordinary. (In 2003, while still in the NBA, he quietly earned his college degree from the University of Memphis.). He took a pic with a million kids so I know he didnt remember me, but it was just a cool moment about 25 years later, Wayne said. I told you he was. He showed up. Hardaway entered the 200203 NBA season coming off the bench. As a first-year player in 2019, he got into 22 contests. University of Memphis men's basketball coach Penny Hardaway purchased a home near Memphis Country Club for $4.25 million. Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway. The C.E.O. He and Merriweather have something special planned, though they wont say exactly what. I wanted to make sure they understood that education is more than sports, Hardaway says. He was thinking a fight to the finish would let the players walk out with their heads high, their pride intact, even if they lost. In one photo taken in 1996, Hardaway grins from a blue chair as young Wayne, swimming in a white camp T-shirt, places his hand on Hardaways shoulder. Her elder sister's baby father is Ray Chesterfield II. Throughout her life, Louise, a cook in Memphis elementary schools, worked hard to do the best she could for her family, including Hardaway. Nov 9, 2021. Hardaway's credentials went beyond his reputation as a beloved former player and winner at the high school level. During his time in college, he earned the Naismith Award for College Player of the Year and was named to the U.S.A. Basketball Development Team. As a redshirt freshman, Jayden Hardaway got the first start of his college career in Memphis's 70-63 win against UConn on Feb. 1, 2020. A shotgun. Rookie of the Year and was selected to the N.B.A.s All-Rookie Team. By John Denton Feb. 20, 2014 ORLANDO - The irony of how Penny Hardaway's basketball life has come full circle isn't lost on him one bit. He wanted to show them a side of Memphis theyd never seen: that if you work hard, you get rewarded. He played seven minutes with two rebounds and an assist. Penny Hardaway coaching for Memphis. Around Binghampton, Penny earned a new nickname: Coach Carter, after the 2005 Samuel L. Jackson movie about a successful businessman who returned to his old neighborhood to coaching glory, demanding nothing but greatness. Penny is the mother of two beautiful little girls. He immediately made an impact on the league, winning the MVP award at the inaugural Schick Rookie Game. Lightning strikes, pinstripes, a fading colorway, and more retell the event. With uncanny court vision and spectacular passing, Orlando's 6'7" All-Star point guard, Anfernee Hardaway, evokes Earvin Johnson. The colors flowed, the different colors of glass, the stones I used, the pennies, the copper, everything just flowed.. Penny Hardaway has retained counsel as part of the NCAA's investigation into Memphis basketball, which is currently working its way through the Independent Accountability Resolution Process.. IARP officials released an updated procedural timeline of the infractions case on Tuesday, hours before Hardaway and the Tigers were set to open the 2021-22 season against Tennessee Tech at FedExForum (7 . Did you encounter any technical issues? Overcast. I still think about, man, what wouldve happened if I got hit somewhere else. Hardaway grew up playing basketball in Memphis for Treadwell High School where he averaged 36.6 points, 10.1 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 3.9 steals, and 2.8 blocks as a senior and was named Parade Magazine National High School player of the year. Kendric Davis and DeAndre Williams have the Tigers and coach Penny Hardaway on the verge of making the NCAA Tournament for . LaTanfernee has shared baby photos on her Instagram account. A four-time NBA All-Stars winner, a former basketball player Anfernee Deon "Penny" Hardaway is professionally known as Penny Hardaway. The grandmother who instilled love, demanded excellence. When it comes to basketball, perhaps the Tigers can benefit from adopting the same philosophy Wayne applies to his art. Louise, his grandma, raised him. Before Hardaway was drafted, he and future Orlando Magic teammate Shaquille O'Neal acted in prominent roles in the college basketball feature film Blue Chips (1994); Both players portrayed college freshman on the varsity basketball team of a fictional university. He helped Wiseman at East High and Memphis. You can tell when people put their mind to it and their heart to it, he said. [21] Hardaway was hired to replace former head coach Tubby Smith. Sports Memphis artist delivers thoughtful tribute to Penny Hardaway, his childhood idol Artist Reggie . Michael Rosenberg. In Hardaway, Merriweather saw a young leader who was going to make it. Hardaway made more than $120 million in his 16-season career. Share. Memphis will open the season with exhibitions between two schools from the SIAC before hosting MEAC and SWAC programs later in its non-conference schedule. On August 9, 2007, Hardaway was signed by the Miami Heat reuniting him with former teammate Shaquille O'Neal. But this year, hes learned, money isnt everything., Giving the time is just as important as giving the money, he says. $643. During his formative years, he knew his mother from postcards she sent from the road: California, Alaska, Hawaii. Celebrity Net Worth estimates Penny Hardaway's net worth in 2021 at around $50 million. But in 2011, his childhood friend, Desmond Merriweather, needed a favor. Has Three Half-Siblings. Anfernee Penny Hardaway is a retired NBA player in the US. Hardaway started first as a volunteer. and its Licensors He appeared in 28 games in the 2020-21 season, averaging 10 minutes per contest. The Memphis Business Journal first reported the saleon Thursday. Over 16 seasons, Hardaway finished with career averages of 15.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.6 steals. When we were growing up, we would see people get shot in the park just a whole lot of crazy, chaotic things, Merriweather says. All Rights Reserved They wanted the boys of Lester Middle to succeed, too. Two days before the draft, Hardaway participated in a pick-up basketball game with several Magic players and local talent and impressed the organization enough to make the draft day trade.[10]. The talented, but mercurial point guard who often . Hes been gone from the NBA since 2007. On Tuesday, Memphis men's basketball coach Penny Hardaway pulled his name from the Orlando Magic head coaching candidacy, and Brown is set to join his staff, according to ESPN. Mary McDonnell is married to Penny Hardaway. Lil Penny Posite Prm Qs 'Gumbo League'. Penny Hardaway's Son Ashton Is A Basketball Player. Trouble could be on the way for Penny Hardaway and Memphis' basketball program. Penny Hardaway inspired by childhood friend. Then, he was an excitable 10-year-old kid attending Penny Hardaway's basketball camp. The gang leaders agreed. ORIGINAL LAYOUT. Memphis Grizzlies suspend Ja Morant for at least two games, Recruiting wheels are turning with start of practice around the corner, Memphis basketball's No. of the L.H.X. Air Max Penny 1 LE GS 'Varsity Royal'. Memphis State (now the University of Memphis). Just give me all you got, he told them. Gunshots rang out. He showed up at the Truth Table that day at the . Penny Hardaway, best known for being a Basketball Player, was born in Memphis, Tennesse, USA on Sunday, July 18, 1971. Starters typically played only half a game because they demolished teams so badly. line. He couldnt be stopped. It was believed to protect its wearer from evil. At the Orlando Magics 7th Annual Black Tie & Tennies Charity Gala, Penny was presented with the Orlando Magics highest community service honor. Merriweather had tagged along with the rising star at school, at outdoor courts, at the neighborhood gym. Has Three Half-Siblings. The IARP noted Hardaway had been helping people in Memphis since first going to the NBA in 1993. Hed always given money to the school and neighborhood rec center. The new eatery will be located in the Westin Memphis Beale Street. Penny Hardaway was a star, and a coach, in Memphis even before he took over the University of Memphis basketball program. Hardaway played college basketball at Memphis and 14 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA), where he was a four-time NBA All-Star and a two-time All-NBA First Team . Hed show up for team practices even before Merriweather arrived. Nike x Social Status Air Penny 2. LU5 5NP, Copyright 2022 RG Building & Landscape Services Ltd | Company No. In 2018, two years after Waynes job with Norfolk Southern led him from Tennessee to Virginia, the nomadic and sometimes lonely lifestyle turned him back towards art. Hardaway had chosen to remain close to home and attend. Penny Hardaway comes home. Professional basketball player. The summer before his freshman year in college, he and a friend were robbed at gunpoint. A Touch Of Magic. The former NBA All-Star and greatest basketball player in Memphis history huddled his team of 12 together. Memphis, Tennessee (TN), US. Hardaway, 50, is among a wave. 1 Magic jersey was found everywhere, from music videos to playgrounds to the malls. [23], Hardaway is also known for his efforts to promote sports in Memphis. Layla Hardaway will soon be an aunt, considering her elder sister LaTanfernee's pregnancy is due by June 2022. Penny Hardaway House. During the season, Hardaway, being the team leader, led a coup to fire then coach Brian Hill with only 33 games left during the season. But as the next season got under way, the chemo drained him of strength. for attempting a comeback sooner than expected by playing in the All-Star Game. There's giving back to the community and making his hometown and the world a better place, from volunteering to help coach the middle school team of a friend who was battling cancer, to supporting the kids of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. He clapped and pumped his fist. But along the way, Hardaway learned there's more to life than basketball. He was named a starter in his first NBA All-Star game and was named All-NBA First Team. He hit another, then another. University of Memphis men's basketball coach Penny Hardaway purchased ahome near Memphis Country Clubfor$4.25 million. His overall rating from 247 Sports Composite is a three-star prospect. Hardaway's nickname "Penny" came as a result of his grandmother's southern accent in calling him "Pretty." 27. Up to that point, hed slept only in twin beds, his long legs hanging off the end. Penny Hardaway is a father of four young adults: boys Jayden and Ashton and daughters LaTanfernee and Layla. When he was little, his mother uprooted them and headed for the Golden State. Hardaway was featured in the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary series film This Magic Moment (2016) which focuses on the Orlando Magic teams led by him and Shaquille O'Neal in the mid-1990s. In the first scene, Penny wants to do something fun. Is Anfernee Hardaway in the Hall of Fame? 2:49 PM EDT, Tue April 10, 2012. He was born in the year 1971 with the real name Anfernee Deon. They have a personal relationship . Hardaway was selected in 1993 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors but was traded along with three future first-round picks to the Orlando Magic. Penny Hardaway The childhood nickname "Penny" made the basketball player world-famous and laid the basis for the cult logo "1Cent". With a goal to have each of his players graduate from college, Hardaway instituted a mandatory tutoring program. Nikki Ward gave birth to Jayden, and Dionne had Ashton. But I would snap out of it really quickly and just keep doing what I needed to do.. He played in 23 games as a redshirt junior and contributed an average of 2.9 points and 1.0 rebounds per game. In 236 regular season games with the Suns he averaged 12.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.3 steals. Late at night, he closes his eyes. Penny Hardaway is currently 50 according to his birthdate July 18, 1971 Sun Sign Cancer Born Place Memphis, Tennessee, United States Residence Memphis, Tennessee, United States Nationality Education Penny did his primary schooling from Lester Middle School and attended and played basketball for Treadwell High School in Memphis. Hardaway, a native son of Memphis, was involved in the city's youth basketball scene. 1:31. . He replays the game in his mind, over and over and over again. Famous Sports StarsBasketballAnfernee "Penny" Hardaway Biography - Childhood Experiences, An Epiphany, Onto The Nba, Chronology, Li'l Penny, Part Iiheaven Cent - CONTACT INFORMATION, Copyright 2023 Web Solutions LLC. It was custom-built in 2006 by Montgomery Martin, according to a realtor.com listing for the address. He began driving his Bentley, Cadillac Escalade and Range Rover down the streets of Binghampton. On February 22, 2006, Hardaway was traded back to Orlando, along with Trevor Ariza, for Steve Francis. Hardaway played college basketball at Memphis and 14 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA), where he was a four-time NBA All-Star and a two-time All . [25], Penny has a son Jayden who plays guard at the University of Memphis where Penny is head coach. He stays here with me., Reflecting back on that day, Hardaway marvels. Nike continues to make his Foamposite shoes, which fetch hundreds of dollars sometimes thousands among sneakerheads.. Anfernee (Penny) Hardaway is sure of it. After O'Neal's departure for the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996 and several injuries, Hardaway decided to try to restart his career with the Phoenix Suns in 1999. Always dream big. Ashton currently plays basketball for the Memphis Tigers mens team. [11] He was named a starter in the NBA All-Star Game for the second consecutive season while leading the Magic to a franchise record 60 wins. Hardaway averaged 9 points, 4.4 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in the eight games. Jr. basketball team when he was young. Hardaway and Marbury helped lead the Knicks to the 2004 NBA Playoffs. He has this presence about himself. Hardaway took over because a friend was fighting cancer. Hardaway was named #5 on the list of top 100 modern college point guards by collegehoopsnet.com. Former NBA star Penny Hardaway recently sold his home in Pinecrest, FL, for $2.5 millionwell under his original ask and way less than the $3.6 million he paid for it in 2009. As a teenager Hardaway refereed youth sports at the Memphis YMCA and played on the Memphis Y.M.C.A. And they could both end . He was hired to replace Tubby Smith, the former head coach, in 2018.. During his first year of coaching, Hardaway proved to be one of the most competent coaches by leading the . Hardaway first donated uniforms, but he realized it was his time that the kids valued most. He also finished third in MVP voting. When Hardaway started a trend by rocking a Band-Aid above his left eye at All-Star weekend, Wayne sported one, too. Division regular season and conference tournament champion The departure of O'Neal during the off-season to the Los Angeles Lakers left Hardaway as the lone star on the Magic heading into the 199697 NBA season. How tall is Anfernee Hardaway? When you accomplish certain levels of success in a number, you want that number to always be a part of you. Penny is grateful to Latarsha McCray, his firstborn daughter, for teaching him about ambition and proposing. 3600 New York Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002, By DANIELLE LERNER and The Daily Memphian, Commanders put franchise tag on defensive tackle Daron Payne, Terrapins try to reverse struggles away from home, New York City flunks spelling with new Jakie Robinson Parkway sign, LOVERRO: Take it to the bank, NFL is going to force Snyder to sell, NBA opens investigation after Ja Morants social media post, Chase Elliott out of NASCAR indefinitely after tibia surgery, Friends, family remember Thai soccer boy rescued from cave, FIFA rules panel stresses need for more added time in games. As the current head coach of the Memphis Tigers, he . He quizzed teachers about the players progress reports: What areas do they need help in? I would wonder every now and then, as any kid would, what my father was doing, wishing my father was here, he says. He was the part of Gold medalist United States's Men's basketball team at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. Hardaway's fellow inductees included Chisholm, Minn. high school basketball coach Bob McDonald, who retired after 59 seasons without a single technical foul. Nike designers developed the logo in the 90s when Penny Hardway played for the Orlando Magic. Coach Penny had told him before tipoff that his shot would be on target tonight, that his team would need him. They are now dating each other. His playoff scoring average finished a close second to Michael Jordan (31.1). . Hardaway is the son of Fae Hardaway (born 1951) and Eddie Golden. Anfernee Hardaway was born on July 18, 1971, in Memphis, Tennessee to his parents, Fae Hardaway and Eddie Golden. He is 50 years old as of today. She cooked in the Memphis school system for years and worked as a nanny and maid. He's doing it in "Chris Rock: Selective Outrage," streaming live on Netflix at 10 p.m. EST. 1 overall seed . R. Brad Martin served as the university'sinterim president during the 2013-14 academic year. Received An Offer From The University of San Diego. Penny Hardaway apologized to Memphis fans after his expletive-filled rant went viral. Nowadays he walks around in his SB Nikes, Vans and Retro Basketball Shoes and eats like a vacuum cleaner. Tasie Lawrence, the wife of musician Jim Jefferies, is an English actress and singer. Recently graded by PSA Address. Penny Hardaway Parents, Family, and Early life The 49 -year-old former basketball player was born to his parents Fae Hardaway (father) and Eddie Golden (mother), in Tennessee. Jr. Olympic basketball team. How much did Anfernee Hardaway weigh when playing? He grew up in the Binghampton neighborhood of shotgun houses in Memphis, Tennessee. state champion Memphis East High School Eagles.Jayden attended Miami Palmetto for his junior year before transferring to East High. In the second scene, Penny wants to know what happened to her. The NCAA determined Wiseman ineligible after discovering that in 2017 Hardaway, while coaching at East High School in Memphis, paid Donzaleigh Artis, Wiseman's mother, $11,500. In 42 regular-season games with the Knicks, Hardaway averaged 9.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1 steal. Penny Hardaway - Your Favorite Player's Favorite Player. It wasnt until recently that his art career did. He has American nationality. Anything couldve happened., He would later pick the gangsters out of a police lineup. In the summer of 1992 Hardaway was selected to the 1992 USA Basketball Developmental Team that scrimmaged daily against the 1992 Olympic Team. The first practice for Hardaway's No. Everybody said he wasnt gonna come back. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. He teamed up with Shaquille ONeal and took the young Magic franchise to the NBA Finals in 1995, only to fall short of the championship. At the age of 22, he signed a whopping $65 million contract. Wayne, 33, is a Memphis native and mixed-media artist who now lives in Virginia. . Hardaway finished the regular season averaging 10.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.1 steals. For his efforts he was named to the NBA All-Rookie first team and was the runner-up for Rookie of the Year to Chris Webber. [18] The Suns disposed of the Spurs in four games. Ex-NBA star became surrogate father to his players, kept gangs away . The post Penny Hardaway, Memphis Reportedly Facing Serious Allegations: Fans React appear According to Steven Johnson of the Daily Memphian, the school recently received a notice of allegations. He finished second in voting for N.B.A. View the profiles of people named Penny Hardaway. It is Hardaway memorialized as Wayne remembers him, a role model for young Tigers fans growing up in Memphis. 2023 www.commercialappeal.com. When the team hit the court, something magical happened. He is a basketball head coach and a former basketball player. In 2011, Hardaway announced plans for a permanent $20 million multi-sports facility named FastBreak Courts Sportsplex in Cordova. $ 50 Million Anfernee Deon "Penny" Hardaway is a former professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA). When you have an example whos lived in the same neighborhood, lived in the same apartments, walked the same hallways, that is motivating, and it drives them. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. Being a fan of Penny Hardaway in his childhood, he tried to model his game after the lengthy Orlando point guard and became a solid all around weapon on offense with a soft touch and unlimited range. You cant guard me. [3] His grades were so low that he was admitted to the University on a special exemption from University President Thomas G.