Last week, Penny Hardaway emerged as a serious candidate for the Orlando Magic head coaching position. Last night he made it clear where his heart lay.
In Memphis.
The Tigers’ head coach revealed the news in an Instagram post.
“Just like I had dreams coming out of college to make it to the NBA and I achieved those goals, it was a huge goal and huge dream, it happened for me, one day in the future I would love to coach in the NBA. And wouldn’t it be great if it were the Orlando Magic? But today isn’t that day. Today I’m here with my players, with the fans, with the city, working hard as I can to try to bring us a national championship. That’s what I set out to do; that’s what I want to do.”
The Memphis-born and raised player was a star for the Tigers. Drafted by the Warriors with the third overall pick in the 1993 draft, Penny was traded to the Magic, along with three first-round draft picks (1996, 1998, 2000) for Chris Webber. Penny was a 4x -All-Star with Orlando and played with the team for six seasons before heading to the Phoenix Suns.
After his playing career was over, Penny went home to Memphis as his Alma Mater’s head coach in 2018. In his three years at the helm, the team has gone 63-32. He has never had a losing season as well.
In December of 2020, Penny signed a five-year, $12.25 million extension with Memphis which runs through the April 15th, 2026.
Not only is he staying with Memphis this season, he’s also adding Hall of Fame coach Larry Brown to the staff as an assistant coach.
“For all the fans that have rocked out with us, that have cheered us, rocking with us, through all the wins and losses, cheering us on, fighting for us, and staying loyal, thank you so much. And I’m doing the same thing. I’m going to be here,” said Penny in his IG video.
While Memphis fans rejoice that their hometown star is staying home, Magic fans are left wondering what’s next.
