University of Memphis Athletics
Photo by: Joe Murphy
Get To Know: Jayden Hardaway
Jan 13, 2021 | Men's Basketball
Son embraces father's legacy by wearing his dad's jersey numbers.
Having a famous parent can be an incredible load on children. The weight can be immense and can make the children choose other paths.
That's not the case for Jayden Hardaway. In fact, he embraces his father's, Penny's, legacy. Jayden accepts his father's star status so much that he has worn Penny's two numbers – No. 25 at Memphis State and No. 1 with the Orlando Magic – since he started playing the game.
"I've worn those numbers since I was a child, since I first started playing basketball," said Jayden. "Growing up, I wanted to feel like my dad out on the court.
"I obviously grew up idolizing him, so wearing his numbers is like paying him respect for playing the game at the highest level. I wanted to wear them (the numbers) as I got older."
When he first arrived at Memphis, Jayden had a little numbers predicament. The No. 1 jersey had already been taken, and Penny's No. 25 jersey was retired. When you've never worn any jerseys but No. 1 and No. 25, what do you do?
"He (Penny) let me wear his number (25) because I hadn't worn any other numbers in my career," Jayden said. "I knew his No. 25 was retired."
This season, though, a switch was made to the No. 1 jersey, and along with the jersey change has come additional court time for Jayden. Recently, Jayden hit four clutch free throws to help the Tigers secure the win at Tulane. He also hit a jumper in the UofM's win over USF.
"The game is starting to slow down for me," said Jayden, who is averaging double-digit minutes in his 10 appearances this season. "I'm starting to get more opportunities, more time on the court to show what I can do. I'm trying to make the most of it."
One reason for his increased playing time is the maturity he brings to the floor, along with his high basketball IQ. And Jayden is quick to give credit to his father for teaching him the game.
"I got it (IQ) from growing up with my dad," said Jayden. "He taught me so many different aspects of the game. When I get out there, I'm able to see things clearer than others do. I also watch a lot of film.
"Growing up, all my coaches told me that I play the game with a high IQ. If things look like they are out of sorts, I want to be that calming force out there and make sure things don't get too far off course."
Let's learn more about Jayden Hardaway:
I started playing basketball … When I was seven or eight years old in a church league. I played guard. I've been a shooter my whole life.
When I'm not at a practice or a game, I'm … In my room, watching television or playing video games.
If I didn't play basketball, I would be playing … Football. I never played organized football, but I did play in the yard with my friends.
The #1 thing on my bucket list is … To travel around the world. Hopefully basketball will provide me that opportunity.
If I had a super power, it would be … Teleport
The best thing about the Memphis campus is … Before COVID, I liked the overall atmosphere, vibe of the campus. Coming on campus and seeing people. Going to the University Center and seeing the diversity of the campus.
My Favorite Things
Meal mom cooks … Steak
TV show as a kid … SpongeBob
Toy as a kid … Nerf basketball hoop 🏀
Athlete … Steph Curry
Sports team … Miami Heat
Vacation spot … Bahamas 🏖️
Ice cream … Vanilla 🍦
Emoji … Laughing 🤣
Midnight snack … Noodles 🍜
Candy … Sour Patch Kids
Holiday … Thanksgiving 🦃
That's not the case for Jayden Hardaway. In fact, he embraces his father's, Penny's, legacy. Jayden accepts his father's star status so much that he has worn Penny's two numbers – No. 25 at Memphis State and No. 1 with the Orlando Magic – since he started playing the game.
"I've worn those numbers since I was a child, since I first started playing basketball," said Jayden. "Growing up, I wanted to feel like my dad out on the court.
"I obviously grew up idolizing him, so wearing his numbers is like paying him respect for playing the game at the highest level. I wanted to wear them (the numbers) as I got older."
When he first arrived at Memphis, Jayden had a little numbers predicament. The No. 1 jersey had already been taken, and Penny's No. 25 jersey was retired. When you've never worn any jerseys but No. 1 and No. 25, what do you do?
"He (Penny) let me wear his number (25) because I hadn't worn any other numbers in my career," Jayden said. "I knew his No. 25 was retired."
This season, though, a switch was made to the No. 1 jersey, and along with the jersey change has come additional court time for Jayden. Recently, Jayden hit four clutch free throws to help the Tigers secure the win at Tulane. He also hit a jumper in the UofM's win over USF.
"The game is starting to slow down for me," said Jayden, who is averaging double-digit minutes in his 10 appearances this season. "I'm starting to get more opportunities, more time on the court to show what I can do. I'm trying to make the most of it."
One reason for his increased playing time is the maturity he brings to the floor, along with his high basketball IQ. And Jayden is quick to give credit to his father for teaching him the game.
"I got it (IQ) from growing up with my dad," said Jayden. "He taught me so many different aspects of the game. When I get out there, I'm able to see things clearer than others do. I also watch a lot of film.
"Growing up, all my coaches told me that I play the game with a high IQ. If things look like they are out of sorts, I want to be that calming force out there and make sure things don't get too far off course."
Let's learn more about Jayden Hardaway:
I started playing basketball … When I was seven or eight years old in a church league. I played guard. I've been a shooter my whole life.
When I'm not at a practice or a game, I'm … In my room, watching television or playing video games.
If I didn't play basketball, I would be playing … Football. I never played organized football, but I did play in the yard with my friends.
The #1 thing on my bucket list is … To travel around the world. Hopefully basketball will provide me that opportunity.
If I had a super power, it would be … Teleport
The best thing about the Memphis campus is … Before COVID, I liked the overall atmosphere, vibe of the campus. Coming on campus and seeing people. Going to the University Center and seeing the diversity of the campus.
My Favorite Things
Meal mom cooks … Steak
TV show as a kid … SpongeBob
Toy as a kid … Nerf basketball hoop 🏀
Athlete … Steph Curry
Sports team … Miami Heat
Vacation spot … Bahamas 🏖️
Ice cream … Vanilla 🍦
Emoji … Laughing 🤣
Midnight snack … Noodles 🍜
Candy … Sour Patch Kids
Holiday … Thanksgiving 🦃
Players Mentioned
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