Penny Hardaway was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, born on July 18, 1971. Penny is known for a professional basketball player in the NBA playing the small forward and shooting guard position. His nickname "Penny" came from his grandmother saying pretty, her southern drawl made it sound like Penny. His first love was football but because of injury fears he stayed refereeing youth basketball. In high school he continued to be involved in basketball as he was the starting shooting guard for Treadwell High School located in Memphis.

Penny averaged over 36 points per game in high school and was named Parade Magazine National High School player of the year. He was awarded by his good play be being recruited to Memphis State University where he ran into academic issues and being held at gun point. After a rough start he turned it around to making the Dean’s List and averaging over 22 points per game. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in professional studies and enter the NBA draft, were he got selected 3rd overall by the Golden State Warriors.

NBA Career includes playing for the Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks and the Miami Heat.