Power Session - Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway, Maintaining Mental Health & Empowering Student Athletes

Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway, a two-time All-American and a four-time NBA All-Star during his playing days, returned to his alma mater in the spring of 2018.

Hardaway was introduced as University of Memphis men's basketball coach during a March 20, 2018 press conference at the Laurie-Walton Family Basketball Center on the Park Avenue Campus. Hardaway became the school's 19th coach and the third former Tiger player in the modern era (since WWII) to lead the program, following Wayne Yates (1974-79) and Larry Finch (1986-97).

In his first season, Hardaway led the Tigers to a 22-14 record and the program's first postseason appearance in five years. The UofM reached the second round of the 2019 National Invitation Tournament, defeating San Diego in the opening round before falling to Creighton.

Before the NIT, the Tigers reached the semifinals of the American Athletic Conference Championship at FedExForum, beating Tulane and NCAA Tournament-participant UCF before losing, 61-58, to 11th-ranked Houston.

The loss to Houston was one of only three the Tigers suffered at FedExForum, where they went 18-3, including the three games in the conference tournament. The other two losses came to nationally ranked opponents: No. 3 Tennessee and No. 25 Cincinnati.

The excitement generated by Hardaway's hiring led to a huge increase in attendance. The Tigers led the conference by averaging 15,106 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 UofM 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 per game) and 3-point field goal percentage defense (32.2).

Hardaway's initial team also produced one of three unanimous all-conference first-team selections in guard Jeremiah Martin. Martin tied for the league lead with a 19.7 points-per-game scoring average and ranked second in steals per game (2.2). Martin finished his career as the program's No. 10 scorer (1,625 points) and became the first Tiger to score 40 or more points in a game twice in a career.

Hardaway's success during his first season wasn't limited to on-the-court progress. His 2019 recruiting class -- including the nation's top prospect, 7-foot center James Wiseman -- was ranked the nation's best. Wiseman and forward Precious Achiuwa were five-star prospects. The other five signees -- Boogie Ellis, D.J. Jeffries, Lester Quinones, Malcolm Dandridge and Damion Baugh -- were rated four stars.
 
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." 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

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