When I think of Memphis State University, Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway is the first person who comes to mind.
Hardaway, a nominee for the 2024 class of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, had a legendary All-American career for Memphis State, a school now known as the University of Memphis after its official name change in 1994.
Hardaway passed up his senior season to enter the 1993 NBA Draft, but his presence on the court was felt across the country: he was No. 5 on the list of top 100 modern college point guards by collegehoopsnet.com and a leading vote-getter on ESPN’s Conference USA Silver Anniversary Team. In 1994, Memphis State retired Hardaway’s jersey number 25.
He returned to the University of Memphis in May 2003 and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in professional studies,