Ex-NBA star Penny Hardaway returning to his alma mater
The University of Memphis is hoping one its biggest stars of the past can lead it to a successful future.
Multiple media outlets are reporting that former Memphis player and NBA star Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway will be named the school’s next men’s basketball coach.
A press conference is expected Tuesday.
The Memphis Commercial Appeal first broke the news of Hardaway agreeing to the job last week.
Hardaway will replace Tubby Smith, who was fired as the Tigers’ head coach last week after just two seasons.
A '90s hoops legend returns to where it all began. pic.twitter.com/9nWUXIIHFz
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 19, 2018
Hardaway was a two-time All-American at the school, then known as Memphis State. He left after his junior season for the 1993 NBA draft, where he was selected third overall by the Golden State Warriors, who immediately traded his rights to Orlando for the rights to Chris Webber.
Playing alongside Shaquille O’Neal, Hardaway was a four-time All-Star. He and O’Neal led the Magic to the team’s first NBA Finals appearance in 1995.
Hardaway played 14 seasons in the NBA with the Magic, Suns, Knicks and Heat. But his effectiveness was hampered by a knee injury suffered early in the 1997-98 season.
Hardaway is no stranger to coaching in the Memphis area. He just coached Memphis East High School to its third consecutive Tennessee state title over the weekend.
He also coaches the Memphis-based AAU team, which gives him ties to several top-100 recruits for the 2019 freshman class.
The Memphis Daily News reports former Memphis Grizzlies star Mike Miller is rumored to be a top candidate to join Hardaway’s staff, as is Tony Madlock, a college teammate of Hardaway’s who was the interim coach this season at Ole Miss.
Anfernee Hardaway getting the Memphis head coaching job is awesome. still bummed injuries derailed his career. loved watching him play.
— Dave Biscella (@DaveBiscella) March 19, 2018
Memphis finished with a 21-13 record this season but missed the postseason for the fourth straight year.
The Tigers won 40 games in Smith’s two seasons as coach, but in the school’s statement announcing his firing, it cited “the best financial interest of the University of Memphis.”
Attendance at Tigers’ home games hit a 48-year-low this season.
Nobody from Memphis expects a national championship right off the bat. It’s about reviving this program that the city loves. Bringing excitement back into Memphis basketball. Give him 3 years Memphis will be a national powerhouse again.
— Brayden (@BraydenSommer) March 19, 2018
Declining attendance was the main reason for a $1.1 million decrease in donations to the athletic department during the 2016-17 fiscal year.
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