The Memphis Tigers are off to a strong start this season, holding a 9-2 record and ranked No. 21 in the men’s basketball AP poll. This promising beginning has raised hopes for an NCAA Tournament run under head coach Penny Hardaway, who has his team looking sharp.
However, with the team’s success, the question arises: could Hardaway consider leaving Memphis for a new challenge, perhaps in the NBA?
In a recent appearance on Draymond Green’s podcast, *The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis*, Hardaway opened up about the possibility of eventually coaching in the NBA. “I definitely want to coach in the NBA,” Hardaway said.
“I get my juices flowing when I sit in the arena. I get my juices flowing because I feel like I can help a lot of young guys because I know the game. I played the game and they still respect my brand and who I am. I really feel like my coaching is built more for the NBA than college. I’m happy to be here because I’m home, it’s comfortable, I love my city, I love my school. Ultimately I’ve mentioned it before, I want to be in the NBA, I don’t know where that’s going to be but I want to help somebody win.”
A Memphis native, Hardaway played two seasons at the University of Memphis before declaring for the NBA Draft. He was selected third overall in the 1993 draft by the Orlando Magic, who had traded with the Golden State Warriors to acquire the pick.
Hardaway was paired with star center Shaquille O’Neal, and the duo helped lead the Magic to the 1995 NBA Finals, though they were swept by the Houston Rockets. That was the pinnacle of their partnership, as O’Neal would later leave for the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent.
Hardaway’s NBA career spanned from 1993 to 2007, with stints at the Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, and Miami Heat, where he was reunited with O’Neal. He transitioned into coaching in 2018 when he was hired as head coach at Memphis.
Over his seven seasons at the helm, Hardaway has compiled a 142-64 record, with two NCAA Tournament appearances and two NIT appearances, including a victory in the 2021 NIT championship. Under his leadership, Memphis has yet to have a losing season, either overall or in American Athletic Conference play.
