Penny Hardaway

High school

Treadwell High School

College

University of Memphis

Pro team(s)

Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, Miami Heat

Hall of Fame

⭐ Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

Anfernee Deon "Penny" Hardaway was born on July 18, 1971, in Memphis, Tennessee, and grew up in a tough North Memphis neighborhood, raised primarily by his grandmother. He attended Treadwell High School in Memphis, where he became one of the most talked-about basketball prospects in the country before attending Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis). The Golden State Warriors selected him third overall in the 1993 NBA Draft and immediately traded him to the Orlando Magic along with three future first-round picks for Chris Webber — a deal that reshaped two franchises. In Orlando, Hardaway formed one of the most spectacular duos in NBA history alongside Shaquille O'Neal, leading the Magic to the 1995 NBA Finals. He was a four-time All-Star and was considered by many the most complete and gifted point guard of his era — a 6-foot-7 player who could defend every position, pass brilliantly, and score from anywhere. Chronic knee injuries cut his prime years tragically short and prevented him from achieving the statistical legacy his talent promised. After his playing career ended he returned to Memphis and became the head coach of the University of Memphis men's basketball program in 2018, reconnecting a great player with the city that shaped him. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2022. Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee.