M Club Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 2008
The most electrifying player in Tiger history, Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway dazzled the Memphis faithful 1991-93. Hardaway's career also ushered in a new era of Tiger basketball as Memphis made the move from the Mid-South Coliseum to The Pyramid, which opened in November 1991.
As a junior in 1992-93, Hardaway was the second consensus All-America first team pick in school history. He also swept every Great Midwest Conference (GMC) award possible. He was the Great Midwest Conference MVP in both 1992 and 1993 and also was named to the All-GMC first team both years. Hardaway received the GMC Newcomer of the Year award in 1992 and was named to the 1992 and 1993 GMC All-Tournament Teams.
Hardaway - who recorded the school's first-ever and only triple-doubles - led the Tigers in scoring, assists and steals both seasons and led the squad in rebounding in 1992-93. He is in the number 14 spot on the Tiger career scoring chart and is ranked among the top 10 on the all-time assists and steals lists. In his two seasons, Hardaway helped guide the Tigers to a 43-23 record and two NCAA Tournament appearances, including a magical trip to the 1992 Elite Eight.
Following the 1992-93 campaign, Hardaway declared and was the third overall pick by the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Draft, but later on draft night, was traded to the Orlando Magic. He also had playing stints with the Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks and Miami Heat.
In the 1993-94 season, Hardaway was invited back home to the Bluff City, where on Jan. 23, 1994, his number 25 became the seventh basketball jersey retired by the Tigers.
He earned his bachelor's degree in Individual Studies in 2003.
