Men's Basketball
Hardaway, Penny
Penny Hardaway
- Title:
- Head Coach
- Phone:
- 901-678-2346
- Instagram:
- @iam1cent
In seven seasons, the former two-time All-American and four-time NBA All-Star has compiled a 158-68 record, leading Memphis to seven consecutive 20-win seasons, the 2021 NIT Championship, 2023 AAC Tournament title, and both the regular-season and tournament crowns in 2025. His teams have made three NCAA Tournament appearances (2022, 2023, 2025), and his 158 victories rank third-most in program history through a coach’s first seven years.
Hardaway has coached two NBA first-round picks, mentored three AAC Freshmen of the Year, and developed multiple All-AAC and All-Freshman honorees. Under his leadership, Memphis has twice had the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class and eight wins over ranked opponents, with multiple stints in the national top 10.
Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway returned to the University of Memphis in 2018 with a singular mission: to restore the proud tradition of Tiger basketball and lead the program back to national prominence. In the years since, he has done exactly that - transforming Memphis into a perennial contender while continuing to build one of the most respected and competitive programs in college basketball.
In his seven seasons as head coach, Hardaway has compiled a 158-68 record, guiding Memphis to seven consecutive 20-win seasons, three NCAA Tournament appearances (2022, 2023, 2025), a 2021 NIT Championship, the 2023 AAC Tournament title, and both the AAC regular season and tournament championships in 2025. His 158 victories rank among the top three in program history through a coach’s first seven seasons, and only three coaches since World War II have guided Memphis to 20 wins in each of their first seven seasons—a distinction now shared by Hardaway.
What sets Hardaway apart is not only his ability to win, but also his track record of developing elite talent and preparing players for the next level. During his tenure, Memphis has produced three NBA first-round draft picks, one NBA second-round draft pick, two American Athletic Conference (AAC) Players of the Year, three Freshmen of the Year, 12 All-AAC selections (10 first teamers), six All-Freshman honorees, two AAC Tournament MVP’s and one AAC Coach of the Year. His teams have earned 15 victories over nationally ranked opponents - including the program’s first-ever victory over the No. 1 ranked team in the country - three times ascended into the AP top 10, and twice landed the No. 1-ranked recruiting class in the country.
Under Hardaway’s leadership, Memphis has embraced both a modern, pro-style approach and a fierce defensive identity.
In the 2024-25 season, Penny Hardaway guided the Memphis Tigers to one of the most impressive campaigns in recent program history. The Tigers finished with a 29-6 overall record and a dominant 16-2 mark in American Athletic Conference play, earning both the regular season and tournament titles—becoming the first AAC team since Houston in 2021-22 to accomplish that feat. Hardaway was named AAC Coach of the Year for the first time in his tenure, as Memphis surged to its third NCAA Tournament appearance in five years, landing a No. 5 seed in the West Region—the program’s highest since 2009.
The Tigers notched five wins over Power Conference opponents, including three victories over AP Top 25 teams, and finished as runners-up at the prestigious Maui Invitational, highlighted by a thrilling 99-97 overtime win over No. 2 UConn and a strong victory against Michigan State. Memphis went 5-2 against NCAA Tournament teams during the regular season and closed the year on a tear, winning 20 of its final 23 games. Hardaway's leadership was key in the development of star guard PJ Haggerty, who earned AAC Player of the Year and unanimous All-America honors after setting the league’s single-season scoring record with 759 points. Haggerty, averaging 21.7 points per game, became Hardaway’s third consecutive top-10 national scorer—the only coach in the country with that distinction over the past three seasons. Hardaway also oversaw the breakout of big man Dain Dainja, who elevated his game significantly from his time at Illinois, averaging 14.6 points and 7.4 rebounds en route to an All-AAC First Team selection.
Freshman Jalen Duren, part of the nation’s number-one recruiting class, led the Tigers in scoring and rebounding on the year and was named the AAC Freshman of the Year. Senior DeAndre Williams finished second in both categories and was on the All-AAC Second Team, while Josh Minott earned a place on the conference’s all-freshman team after his solid debut efforts.
Memphis finished the year ranked in the top-two of 12 AAC statistical categories and was ninth in the nation in blocked shots per game. The Tigers were the conference’s leading-scoring offense and also led the league in field goal percentage, blocked shots and steals.
The 2020-21 Tigers were one of the most exciting teams in the second half of the season and finished the year winning 11-of-13 games and securing a 20-8 record, including the 2021 NIT title over Mississippi State. The Tigers dispatched Dayton, Boise State, Colorado State and Mississippi State en route to the NIT championship.
Memphis’ only losses after January were to Final Four participant Houston two times by a combined five points, including one buzzer-beater. The Tigers finished 20-8 on the year after starting 6-5, and its average defeat in its eight losses was just 4.4 points, including seven by single digits and its last four by one possession.
Hardaway and company did all this with one of the nation’s youngest rosters, which, according to KenPom, has an average experience level of 1.08 years. That was the youngest among teams that advanced into the second weekend of the postseason.
The squad achieved success with its trademark defense. Memphis ended the year ranked in the top-20 in the nation in seven defensive categories (3-point field goal percentage defense, 2nd; field goal percentage defense, 5th; rebounds per game, 11th; steals per game, 12th; rebound margin, 17th; blocked shots per game, 18th; scoring defense, 19th) and had the nation’s best team in terms of KenPom’s defensive efficiency.
In his second season in 2019-20, Hardaway directed the Tigers to a 21-10 record that included wins over two nationally ranked teams. Memphis defeated No. 19 Tennessee at sold-out Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville and No. 22 Houston at FedExForum.
The continued excitement surrounding the program produced impressive attendance numbers. The Tigers averaged 16,312 fans at FedExForum during the season to rank ninth nationally in attendance. Memphis also ranked second in largest increased attendance from the previous season.
During the 2019-20 season, Hardaway helped freshman forward Precious Achiuwa develop into the AAC Player of the Year, the program's first Player of the Year since joining the AAC in 2013. Achiuwa also earned Freshman of the Year honors to become the first Tiger to sweep both awards since Keith Lee in 1982.
During the season, the Tigers spent the first three months ranked in the Associated Press Top 25. They reached as high as No. 9 in late December following a 10-game winning streak that included the victory at No 19 Tennessee.
Most impressive was how the nation's youngest team responded defensively. The Tigers finished first nationally in field goal percentage defense (36.1) and allowed only six of 31 opponents to shoot 43.0 percent or better.
In his first season in 2018-19, Hardaway led the Tigers to a 22-14 record and the program's first postseason appearance in five years. Memphis reached the second round of the 2019 NIT, defeating San Diego in the opening round before falling to Creighton.
The excitement generated by Hardaway's hiring led to a huge increase in attendance. The Tigers led the conference by averaging 15,106 fans per game, more than double the previous season's average of 6,225.
During the season, Hardaway directed the Tigers to top-3 finishes in multiple league categories. The Tigers finished first in scoring (80.1 points per game) and assists (15.4); second in field goal percentage (45.3); and third in steals (8.0) and 3-point field goal percentage defense (32.2).
Hardaway began his first job as a college head coach after a successful run at East High School. East High won state titles in 2016, 2017 and 2018. With Hardaway serving as head coach, the Mustangs defeated Whitehaven High for the 2018 Class AAA championship.
Hardaway assumed the reins of a program that went 40-26 in two seasons under Tubby Smith but did not make the postseason. At his introductory press conference, Hardaway called the job a blessing and said he was "ready to get the team back to the glory days." Then-athletic director Tom Bowen called it "an exciting day for the city."
In the Tigers' rich basketball history, there are few players as well known or decorated as Hardaway. A former prep standout at Treadwell High, he averaged 36.6 points and 10.1 rebounds as a senior in 1990 and was named Parade Magazine National High School Player of the Year.
He signed with the Tigers following an intense recruiting battle and became the most electrifying player in the program's history. His No. 25 jersey is one of nine jerseys the school has retired.
Hardaway remains the only Memphis player to have two career triple-doubles, and his 1,319 points, in only two seasons, rank 17th on the school's career scoring list. The 729 points he scored during the 1992-93 season are the most by a junior in Tigers history.
In his two seasons, Hardaway led the team to a 43-23 record – including eight wins over nationally ranked schools -- and directed the Tigers to two NCAA Tournament appearances, including an Elite Eight trip in 1992.
A two-time All-American and two-time Great Midwest Conference Player of the Year, Hardaway averaged 22.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 2.4 steals in 1992-93. After his junior year, Hardaway declared for the NBA Draft and began a 14-year pro career with the Orlando Magic (1993-99), Phoenix Suns (1999-2004), New York Knicks (2004-06) and Miami Heat (2007).
The No. 3 pick in the 1993 NBA Draft, Hardaway quickly rose to stardom with the Magic. He averaged 16.6 points, 6.6 assists and 5.4 rebounds in his first season and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team.
The following two seasons with the Magic brought more success. During the 1994-95 season, he averaged 20.9 points and 7.2 assists per game, started the NBA All-Star Game and was named to the All-NBA First Team, while leading Orlando to the NBA Finals against the Houston Rockets. Hardaway averaged 25.5 points and 8.0 assists in the series.
During the 1995-96 season, Hardaway averaged a career-best 21.7 points and 7.1 assists per game. He again was named All-NBA First Team and finished third in the league's MVP voting. After the season, he played on the U.S. Olympic basketball team that won a gold medal in Atlanta, Ga.
Hardaway started in the NBA All-Star Game the following two seasons. During the 1997 NBA playoffs, he had the distinction of becoming the first player to score 40 or more points in back-to-back games against a Pat Riley-coached team when he had 42 and 41 in consecutive outings against the Miami Heat.
Hardaway joined the Phoenix Suns to start the 1999-2000 season and averaged 16.9 points in 60 games and 20.3 points in nine playoff games. After playing a full season for the Suns in 2001-02, he battled knee injuries throughout the remainder of his career, which included stops with the Knicks and the Heat.
Known for his support of the University through the years, Hardaway donated $1 million in 2008 for the school's sports Hall of Fame building, which bears his name. Hardaway returned to school and graduated in May 2003 with a bachelor's degree in professional studies.
ANFERNEE "PENNY" HARDAWAY
Born: July 18, 1971
Hometown: Memphis, Tenn.
High school: Treadwell
College: University of Memphis
College Coaching Highlights
Hardaway has coached two NBA first-round picks, mentored three AAC Freshmen of the Year, and developed multiple All-AAC and All-Freshman honorees. Under his leadership, Memphis has twice had the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class and eight wins over ranked opponents, with multiple stints in the national top 10.
Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway returned to the University of Memphis in 2018 with a singular mission: to restore the proud tradition of Tiger basketball and lead the program back to national prominence. In the years since, he has done exactly that - transforming Memphis into a perennial contender while continuing to build one of the most respected and competitive programs in college basketball.
In his seven seasons as head coach, Hardaway has compiled a 158-68 record, guiding Memphis to seven consecutive 20-win seasons, three NCAA Tournament appearances (2022, 2023, 2025), a 2021 NIT Championship, the 2023 AAC Tournament title, and both the AAC regular season and tournament championships in 2025. His 158 victories rank among the top three in program history through a coach’s first seven seasons, and only three coaches since World War II have guided Memphis to 20 wins in each of their first seven seasons—a distinction now shared by Hardaway.
What sets Hardaway apart is not only his ability to win, but also his track record of developing elite talent and preparing players for the next level. During his tenure, Memphis has produced three NBA first-round draft picks, one NBA second-round draft pick, two American Athletic Conference (AAC) Players of the Year, three Freshmen of the Year, 12 All-AAC selections (10 first teamers), six All-Freshman honorees, two AAC Tournament MVP’s and one AAC Coach of the Year. His teams have earned 15 victories over nationally ranked opponents - including the program’s first-ever victory over the No. 1 ranked team in the country - three times ascended into the AP top 10, and twice landed the No. 1-ranked recruiting class in the country.
Under Hardaway’s leadership, Memphis has embraced both a modern, pro-style approach and a fierce defensive identity.
In the 2024-25 season, Penny Hardaway guided the Memphis Tigers to one of the most impressive campaigns in recent program history. The Tigers finished with a 29-6 overall record and a dominant 16-2 mark in American Athletic Conference play, earning both the regular season and tournament titles—becoming the first AAC team since Houston in 2021-22 to accomplish that feat. Hardaway was named AAC Coach of the Year for the first time in his tenure, as Memphis surged to its third NCAA Tournament appearance in five years, landing a No. 5 seed in the West Region—the program’s highest since 2009.
The Tigers notched five wins over Power Conference opponents, including three victories over AP Top 25 teams, and finished as runners-up at the prestigious Maui Invitational, highlighted by a thrilling 99-97 overtime win over No. 2 UConn and a strong victory against Michigan State. Memphis went 5-2 against NCAA Tournament teams during the regular season and closed the year on a tear, winning 20 of its final 23 games. Hardaway's leadership was key in the development of star guard PJ Haggerty, who earned AAC Player of the Year and unanimous All-America honors after setting the league’s single-season scoring record with 759 points. Haggerty, averaging 21.7 points per game, became Hardaway’s third consecutive top-10 national scorer—the only coach in the country with that distinction over the past three seasons. Hardaway also oversaw the breakout of big man Dain Dainja, who elevated his game significantly from his time at Illinois, averaging 14.6 points and 7.4 rebounds en route to an All-AAC First Team selection.
In his fifth season at the helm, Penny Hardaway led the Memphis Tigers to one of their most successful campaigns in recent history. The 2022–23 team finished with a 26–9 record—the program’s highest win total in a decade—captured its first American Athletic Conference (AAC) championship, and made a second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.
The Tigers opened the season with a road win at Vanderbilt and compiled a strong 10–3 non-conference record, including six victories over Power Five teams. A signature moment came in December with a win over previously unbeaten No. 11 Auburn in Atlanta.
After a 2–2 start in league play, Memphis closed strong, winning 14 of its final 17 games. In the AAC Tournament, the Tigers defeated UCF and Tulane before knocking off No. 1-ranked Houston in the title game, 75–65—marking Memphis’ first-ever victory over a top-ranked opponent.
All-American guard Kendric Davis delivered a historic season, leading the AAC in scoring (21.9) and assists (5.4), earning AAC Tournament MVP honors, and breaking multiple conference records, including career points, assists, and free throws made. His 744 points surpassed Hardaway’s own single-season scoring mark.
DeAndre Williams was a key force alongside Davis, earning All-AAC First Team and AAC All-Tournament Team honors. He led the team in double-doubles and was the only player to start all 35 games, averaging 17.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, and shooting a league-best 53.2% from the field.
The 2021-22 Tigers started the season 9-8 through mid-January but finished with wins in 13 of their last 16 games and a trip to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2013-14. Memphis’ wins down the stretch included a 69-59 win at No. 6/7 Houston on Feb. 12, which was the Tigers’ first win over a top-10 team on the road since 2005 and snapped the Cougars’ 37-game home winning streak.
Freshman Jalen Duren, part of the nation’s number-one recruiting class, led the Tigers in scoring and rebounding on the year and was named the AAC Freshman of the Year. Senior DeAndre Williams finished second in both categories and was on the All-AAC Second Team, while Josh Minott earned a place on the conference’s all-freshman team after his solid debut efforts.
Memphis finished the year ranked in the top-two of 12 AAC statistical categories and was ninth in the nation in blocked shots per game. The Tigers were the conference’s leading-scoring offense and also led the league in field goal percentage, blocked shots and steals.
The 2020-21 Tigers were one of the most exciting teams in the second half of the season and finished the year winning 11-of-13 games and securing a 20-8 record, including the 2021 NIT title over Mississippi State. The Tigers dispatched Dayton, Boise State, Colorado State and Mississippi State en route to the NIT championship.
Memphis’ only losses after January were to Final Four participant Houston two times by a combined five points, including one buzzer-beater. The Tigers finished 20-8 on the year after starting 6-5, and its average defeat in its eight losses was just 4.4 points, including seven by single digits and its last four by one possession.
Hardaway and company did all this with one of the nation’s youngest rosters, which, according to KenPom, has an average experience level of 1.08 years. That was the youngest among teams that advanced into the second weekend of the postseason.
The squad achieved success with its trademark defense. Memphis ended the year ranked in the top-20 in the nation in seven defensive categories (3-point field goal percentage defense, 2nd; field goal percentage defense, 5th; rebounds per game, 11th; steals per game, 12th; rebound margin, 17th; blocked shots per game, 18th; scoring defense, 19th) and had the nation’s best team in terms of KenPom’s defensive efficiency.
In his second season in 2019-20, Hardaway directed the Tigers to a 21-10 record that included wins over two nationally ranked teams. Memphis defeated No. 19 Tennessee at sold-out Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville and No. 22 Houston at FedExForum.
The continued excitement surrounding the program produced impressive attendance numbers. The Tigers averaged 16,312 fans at FedExForum during the season to rank ninth nationally in attendance. Memphis also ranked second in largest increased attendance from the previous season.
During the 2019-20 season, Hardaway helped freshman forward Precious Achiuwa develop into the AAC Player of the Year, the program's first Player of the Year since joining the AAC in 2013. Achiuwa also earned Freshman of the Year honors to become the first Tiger to sweep both awards since Keith Lee in 1982.
During the season, the Tigers spent the first three months ranked in the Associated Press Top 25. They reached as high as No. 9 in late December following a 10-game winning streak that included the victory at No 19 Tennessee.
Most impressive was how the nation's youngest team responded defensively. The Tigers finished first nationally in field goal percentage defense (36.1) and allowed only six of 31 opponents to shoot 43.0 percent or better.
In his first season in 2018-19, Hardaway led the Tigers to a 22-14 record and the program's first postseason appearance in five years. Memphis reached the second round of the 2019 NIT, defeating San Diego in the opening round before falling to Creighton.
The excitement generated by Hardaway's hiring led to a huge increase in attendance. The Tigers led the conference by averaging 15,106 fans per game, more than double the previous season's average of 6,225.
During the season, Hardaway directed the Tigers to top-3 finishes in multiple league categories. The Tigers finished first in scoring (80.1 points per game) and assists (15.4); second in field goal percentage (45.3); and third in steals (8.0) and 3-point field goal percentage defense (32.2).
Hardaway began his first job as a college head coach after a successful run at East High School. East High won state titles in 2016, 2017 and 2018. With Hardaway serving as head coach, the Mustangs defeated Whitehaven High for the 2018 Class AAA championship.
Hardaway assumed the reins of a program that went 40-26 in two seasons under Tubby Smith but did not make the postseason. At his introductory press conference, Hardaway called the job a blessing and said he was "ready to get the team back to the glory days." Then-athletic director Tom Bowen called it "an exciting day for the city."
In the Tigers' rich basketball history, there are few players as well known or decorated as Hardaway. A former prep standout at Treadwell High, he averaged 36.6 points and 10.1 rebounds as a senior in 1990 and was named Parade Magazine National High School Player of the Year.
He signed with the Tigers following an intense recruiting battle and became the most electrifying player in the program's history. His No. 25 jersey is one of nine jerseys the school has retired.
Hardaway remains the only Memphis player to have two career triple-doubles, and his 1,319 points, in only two seasons, rank 17th on the school's career scoring list. The 729 points he scored during the 1992-93 season are the most by a junior in Tigers history.
In his two seasons, Hardaway led the team to a 43-23 record – including eight wins over nationally ranked schools -- and directed the Tigers to two NCAA Tournament appearances, including an Elite Eight trip in 1992.
A two-time All-American and two-time Great Midwest Conference Player of the Year, Hardaway averaged 22.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 2.4 steals in 1992-93. After his junior year, Hardaway declared for the NBA Draft and began a 14-year pro career with the Orlando Magic (1993-99), Phoenix Suns (1999-2004), New York Knicks (2004-06) and Miami Heat (2007).
The No. 3 pick in the 1993 NBA Draft, Hardaway quickly rose to stardom with the Magic. He averaged 16.6 points, 6.6 assists and 5.4 rebounds in his first season and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team.
The following two seasons with the Magic brought more success. During the 1994-95 season, he averaged 20.9 points and 7.2 assists per game, started the NBA All-Star Game and was named to the All-NBA First Team, while leading Orlando to the NBA Finals against the Houston Rockets. Hardaway averaged 25.5 points and 8.0 assists in the series.
During the 1995-96 season, Hardaway averaged a career-best 21.7 points and 7.1 assists per game. He again was named All-NBA First Team and finished third in the league's MVP voting. After the season, he played on the U.S. Olympic basketball team that won a gold medal in Atlanta, Ga.
Hardaway started in the NBA All-Star Game the following two seasons. During the 1997 NBA playoffs, he had the distinction of becoming the first player to score 40 or more points in back-to-back games against a Pat Riley-coached team when he had 42 and 41 in consecutive outings against the Miami Heat.
Hardaway joined the Phoenix Suns to start the 1999-2000 season and averaged 16.9 points in 60 games and 20.3 points in nine playoff games. After playing a full season for the Suns in 2001-02, he battled knee injuries throughout the remainder of his career, which included stops with the Knicks and the Heat.
Known for his support of the University through the years, Hardaway donated $1 million in 2008 for the school's sports Hall of Fame building, which bears his name. Hardaway returned to school and graduated in May 2003 with a bachelor's degree in professional studies.
ANFERNEE "PENNY" HARDAWAY
Born: July 18, 1971
Hometown: Memphis, Tenn.
High school: Treadwell
College: University of Memphis
College Coaching Highlights
- AAC Coach of the Year (2025)
- AAC Players of the Year (PJ Haggerty; 2025 | Precious Achiuwa; 2020)
- All-Americans (PJ Haggerty; unanimous 2025 | Kendric Davis; 2023)
- NCAA Tournament (2022, 2023, 2025
- AAC Tournament championships (2023, 2025)
- AAC Regular Season championship (2025)
- NIT Championship (2021)
- Made the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2022, the program’s first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2013-14
- Eight wins over nationally-ranked teams
- Nation’s top recruiting class in 2019 and 2021
- Two NBA first-round draft picks (James Wiseman, 2nd overall, Golden State, 2020; Precious Achiuwa, 20th overall, Miami, 2020)
- Three AAC Freshmen of the Year (Precious Achiuwa, 2020; Moussa Cisse, 2021; Jalen Duren, 2022)
- Nation’s top defensive efficiency team in 2020-21
- Nation’s best field goal percentage defense in 2019-20
- National ranking as high as No. 9 in both 2019-20 and 2021-22
- 2019 NIT appearance, the Tigers’ first postseason trip in five seasons
- Helped East High School to state titles in 2016, 2017 and 2018
- Served as head coach for East High's 2018 Class AAA state title team
- 14-year NBA career (Orlando, Phoenix, New York, Miami)
- More than 10,000 NBA points, 3,000 rebounds and 3,500 assists
- Four-time NBA All-Star (1995-98)
- Two-time All-NBA First Team (1995, 1996)
- 1995 NBA Finalist (with Orlando)
- NBA All-Rookie Team (1994)
- No. 3 overall pick in 1993 NBA Draft (at the time, the highest-drafted Tiger)
- 1996 Olympian (Gold medal)
- Inducted into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame in 2017
- Played two seasons at then-Memphis State (1991-92, 1992-93)
- Two-time All-American
- Two-time Great Midwest Conference MVP
- Two-time All-Great Midwest Conference First Team
- Two-time Great Midwest Conference All-Tournament Team
- 1992 NCAA Tournament All-Midwest Regional Team
- Two-time NCAA Tournament participant (1992 Elite Eight, 1993 first round)
- 1,319 points in just two seasons
- 17 career double-doubles
- Only player in program history with two triple-doubles
- No. 25 jersey retired on Jan. 23, 1994
- Played his prep career at Treadwell High School in Memphis
- Parade Magazine High School National Player of the Year
- Scored more than 3,000 points in his high school career
Men's Basketball: Penny Hardaway, Dain Dainja and Coby Rogers Press Conference-March 21, 2025
Friday, March 21
Men's Basketball: Penny Hardaway Press Conference-March 20, 2025
Thursday, March 20
Men's Basketball: Coby Rogers, PJ Haggerty and Dain Dainja Press Conference-March 20, 2025
Thursday, March 20
Men's Basketball: PJ Haggerty and Nicholas Jourdain Press Conference- March 18 2025
Tuesday, March 18
