Penny Hardaway knows what it takes to be a successful player. For years, he was one of the most entertaining players to watch in the NBA. Now, he wants his players to develop winning habits.



That’s why he didn’t want things to snowball after the Memphis Tigers‘ shocking loss to Mississippi State. Instead of taking it easy on his players, he admittedly was a little too harsh.



Talking to Field of 68: After Dark, the legendary guard didn’t mince his words about his approach to make sure his team bounced back and proved what they were capable of.



<h2>Penny Hardaway was hard on his players </h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Mississippi State is coming in, like, all right, they took us out of the Top 25 for you guys, and they were, like, way, way more energy,” Hardaway said. “So, in that game, it pissed me off because we just didn’t fight. Even though we were tired, we didn’t fight. So, all week long, I was an a**hole.”</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250102_BUS_304069_Penny-Hardaway-1024x576_12b81c94.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-292388" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/14093327/Penny-Hardaway-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/14093327/Penny-Hardaway-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/14093327/Penny-Hardaway-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/14093327/Penny-Hardaway-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/14093327/Penny-Hardaway-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/14093327/Penny-Hardaway-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/14093327/Penny-Hardaway-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/14093327/Penny-Hardaway.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption> Memphis coach Penny Hardaway encourages his team during the first half against Wichita State on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, at Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas</figcaption></figure>



Clearly, it worked, as his team was back on its feet to get the best out of a ranked opponent like Ole Miss. They’ve already beaten UConn, Michigan State, Missouri, and Clemson as well.


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Now, coach Hardaway will need to make sure that his players don’t turn back to their bad habits again when they play 7-6 Florida Atlantic to begin 2025 on Thursday.

NCAAB News: Penny Hardaway makes a strong admission over his coaching

NCAAB News: Penny Hardaway makes a strong admission over his coaching - Bolavip US

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The Memphis Tigers were put to the test on December 21. Mississippi State got the best of them with a shocking 79-66 loss. Then, they bounced back in a big way to take down No. 16 Ole Miss by double digits. 



Coach Penny Hardaway stated that his team had been ‘soft’ and urged them to show a little pride and more fight. That was more than enough to ignite his players’ fire.



That’s why, following the big triumph against a ranked opponent, Hardaway agreed with the narrative about his team caring more about the game than their opponents.



<h2>Penny Hardaway admits Memphis got embarrassed</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“It was absolutely true. It was true because we had a chip on our shoulders for how we played last week,” Hardaway said. “Mississippi State is a damn good team, and to go out there and not fight, they embarrassed us.”</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241231_BUS_303386_Penny-Hardaway-1024x576_5bcfd726.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-292388" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/14093327/Penny-Hardaway-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/14093327/Penny-Hardaway-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/14093327/Penny-Hardaway-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/14093327/Penny-Hardaway-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/14093327/Penny-Hardaway-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/14093327/Penny-Hardaway-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/14093327/Penny-Hardaway-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/14093327/Penny-Hardaway.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption> Memphis coach Penny Hardaway encourages his team during the first half against Wichita State on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, at Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas</figcaption></figure>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“So we had to go through Christmas and enjoy Christmas with family, but we knew we had to get back to business. We knew that we couldn’t let Ole Miss come in here and do the same thing that Mississippi State had done,” he added.</blockquote>


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Memphis showed a strong defensive attitude in the win over Ole Miss, holding the Rebels to just 36.4% from the floor. Now, they’ll look to replicate that success in their first conference game, which will take place on January 2. vs. Florida Atlantic.

NCAAB News: Penny Hardaway admits 'embarrassing' loss fueled Memphis fire

NCAAB News: Penny Hardaway admits 'embarrassing' loss fueled Memphis fire - Bolavip US

Many players in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> today stand out for their impact on the game, impressive statistics, and high profiles. However, Stephen Curry and Kyrie Irving possess a distinctive trait that sets them apart: their extraordinary talent, which makes them two of the most entertaining players to watch. In this context, Orlando Magic legend Penny Hardaway offered high praise for both, placing them in a special category in NBA history.



During an appearance on The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/penny-hardaway">Hardaway</a> was asked, “Who are your top three guys as far as handle that came through the league?” The 53-year-old former guard responded without hesitation. “Jamal Crawford is one of them for sure,” he said, aligning with a widely shared sentiment about the brilliance of ‘J-Crossover.’



Hardaway quickly completed his ranking by adding two current stars. “Kyrie… And man, it’s a lot of guys that have crazy handles. Steph has handles.” With this, Hardaway solidified his recognition of Irving and Curry, two players still shining with the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors, respectively.



Exploring the unique qualities of each player, the four-time NBA All-Star elaborated: “<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kyrie-irving">Kyrie</a>, he’ll hit you, beat you, pull back, beat you again, pull back. We’re talking about that kind of guy.” He then shifted to Curry, adding, “He can do whatever he wants with that thing too, man.”



Finally, Hardaway confirmed his podium. “The big guys with the handle to me were JC and Kyrie. And I’ll put Steph in there,” he declared. Regarding <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/stephen-curry">Curry</a> specifically, Penny noted, “To be able to get off from three with the same handles—right now, I can put Steph in that category because, man, he works at it and gets separation better than anyone. He doesn’t need much room.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241222_BUS_297968_Penny-Hardaway-1024x576_4cbf5985.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-292388" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/14093327/Penny-Hardaway-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/14093327/Penny-Hardaway-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/14093327/Penny-Hardaway-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/14093327/Penny-Hardaway-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/14093327/Penny-Hardaway-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/14093327/Penny-Hardaway-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/14093327/Penny-Hardaway-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/14093327/Penny-Hardaway.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption> Memphis coach Penny Hardaway encourages his team during the first half against Wichita State on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, at Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Other great ball handlers in NBA history</h2>



During the discussion, Baron Davis added another name to the conversation about legendary ball handlers. “Rod Strickland, I always put Rod,” Davis said. Hardaway quickly agreed, saying, “Oh, don’t even start me with him, bro. That dude was ridiculous. He was Kyrie before Kyrie. Rod Strickland was crazy, bro.”



Davis also reminisced about playing alongside another ball-handling wizard, Kenny Anderson. “He used to make me so mad in practice, cause he’d be killing. And you know how he is, like, ‘Come on, yo, we’re just playing ball, yo,’” Davis recalled from their time with the New Orleans Hornets in 2003. “I’d be in practice trying to foul him…and I was like, ‘I’m gonna lose my spot to this guy.’”


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<h2>Curry and Irving continue to shine</h2>



For Stephen Curry and Kyrie Irving to already be considered among the most skilled players in NBA history while still active is a testament to their greatness. At 36 and 32, respectively, both stars continue to deliver awe-inspiring performances, solidifying their legacies and captivating fans and peers alike.

Curry, Kyrie Irving share a unique skill that sets them apart in NBA history, says Magic legend

Draymond Green reveals the secret key behind the Warriors&#039; dynasty era with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson

Mavericks&#039; Klay Thompson names one of the NBA&#039;s greatest shooters, and it&#039;s not Stephen Curry

Curry, Kyrie Irving share a unique skill that sets them apart in NBA history, says Magic legend - Bolavip US

Long before becoming a high-profile <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> coach, Penny Hardaway was wreaking havoc in the NBA. He was a rising star in the 90s with the Orlando Magic, and his time alongside Shaquille O’Neal was one of the most memorable in league history.



However, there are levels to everything. That’s why even a rising star like Hardaway couldn’t help but be starstruck in the presence of the one and only Michael Jordan.



Recently, the Memphis coach recalled a story of how Jordan was forced to wear Penny’s signature shoes in the Eastern Conference Finals, and why he was by no means going to talk trash to him about it.



<h2>Penny Hardaway recalls when Michael Jordan wore his signature sneaker</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“When he came back, they didn’t have an Air Jordan available because he didn’t make one. Then he was like, ‘Well, give me kid’s shoes,’ that’s what he called me — kid,” Hardaway said on Knuckleheads. “So he rocked them joints, and I was still sitting out there going, ‘This man got my shoes on.’ The only thing he did was cut the number one off the back, but he kept the shoes … I thought that was crazy ’cause he’s never worn another shoe outside of a Jordan.”</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241219_BUS_296543_Penny-Hardaway-1024x576_6fe2440a.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-292388" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/14093327/Penny-Hardaway-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/14093327/Penny-Hardaway-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/14093327/Penny-Hardaway-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/14093327/Penny-Hardaway-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/14093327/Penny-Hardaway-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/14093327/Penny-Hardaway-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/14093327/Penny-Hardaway-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/14093327/Penny-Hardaway.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption> Memphis coach Penny Hardaway encourages his team during the first half against Wichita State on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, at Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas</figcaption></figure>



That was the only time Jordan didn’t use his signature Air Jordan sneakers, as they were reportedly in breach of league regulations. Even so, Hardaway wasn’t going to poke the bear:



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Hell no (I won’t talk trash to him), I let him do it. I said, no, I’mma leave, I’mma let a sleeping dog lie,” Hardaway said. “I appreciate you rocking them. I ain’t say nothing about the shoes. I ain’t say nothing. I’m like, I’m not bothering this dude. Let him be.”</blockquote>


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That’s the kind of fear and respect Michael Jordan instilled in his peers. That’s why, as much as some want to look down on him as the greatest ever, most of those who got to play against him don’t have a single doubt about that.

NCAAB News: Memphis' Penny Hardaway makes hilarious Michael Jordan admission

NCAAB News: Memphis' Penny Hardaway makes hilarious Michael Jordan admission - Bolavip US

Younger NBA and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/college-basketball" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">college basketball</a> fans might know Penny Hardaway for being the Memphis Tigers’ coach. However, there was a time when he was one of the most explosive and entertaining players to watch in the league.



His pairing with Shaquille O’Neal, while short-lived, was one of the best in the game. And while injuries got the best of him, his influence in the late 90s was evident.



That’s why even <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a> took some things of Hardaway’s game and made it his own. With that in mind, he recently addressed James’ career and the influence he had on it.



<h2>Penny Hardaway says LeBron James studied his game</h2>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“Bron and I, when we meet up, we chop it up. He’s another guy who appreciates the skill set and the IQ of the game. He studied my game. I talked to Rich Paul about that years ago,” Hardaway told Zach Randolph and Tony Allen on their ‘Out of the Mud’ podcast. </blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241214_BUS_292704_Penny-Hardaway-1024x576_6b4a0e2f.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-292388" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/14093327/Penny-Hardaway-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/14093327/Penny-Hardaway-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/14093327/Penny-Hardaway-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/14093327/Penny-Hardaway-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/14093327/Penny-Hardaway-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/14093327/Penny-Hardaway-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/14093327/Penny-Hardaway-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/12/14093327/Penny-Hardaway.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption> Memphis coach Penny Hardaway encourages his team during the first half against Wichita State on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, at Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas</figcaption></figure>



Hardaway then gushed about all the times James had shouted him out in the past, talking about how he wanted to play the game in the right way and be the best version of himself:


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<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“LeBron has often shouted me out about being one of his favorite players. I appreciate that because I just tried to play the game at a high level and show up every night. There wasn’t load management because I didn’t want to let the fans down. I wanted to play every game because I knew the fans came to see me play and that paid off with the guys,“ Hardway stated. </blockquote>



Penny Hardaway belongs to a long list of NBA greats who have been forgotten because they didn’t win a championship, but even the best players in the league acknowledge that he was a bonafide bucket-getter.

NCAAB News: Penny Hardaway takes credit for LeBron James' success

NCAAB News: Penny Hardaway takes credit for LeBron James' success - Bolavip US

To say that the Memphis Tigers aren’t the most talked-about or renowned basketball program in the nation would be a huge understatement. Not even getting Penny Hardaway has changed that.



Of course, people pay attention to them, especially now that they’ve gotten off to a strong start. Even so, they’re more than likely to be either snubbed or overlooked come tournament time.



The American Athletic Conference has never been considered a top-tier conference by any means, especially when compared to the ACC, Big East, or others. 



<h2>Penny Hardaway claims the NCAA doesn’t respect Memphis</h2>



With that in mind, coach Hardaway, who wants to make sure his team is a perennial tournament-caliber program, shared his thoughts on how the league sees them: 



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“They do not respect one team in our conference, which is unfortunate If you just win our conference, you’re going to be 8, 9 or lower. That’s not what we want. We want a 4-seed or higher to put us in position where we can have a couple games – that’s how most of these teams get to the Sweet 16 every year. So, these next four games are pivotal for us,” said the former NBA star.</blockquote>



The Tigers have won seven of their first nine games of the season. They’ve already beaten the likes of Michigan State and UConn, both ranked teams, so they can definitely hang with the best.


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They will now square off vs. two more ranked teams, No. 16 Clemson and No. 19 Ole Miss, with matches with Virginia and Mississippi State in-between. This stretch will be crucial to change the narrative once and for all.

NCAAB News: Penny Hardaway takes a shot at the NCAA

NCAAB News: Penny Hardaway takes a shot at the NCAA - Bolavip US

Shaquille O’Neal is considered by a lot of people as the <a href="https://us.bolavip.com/nba/The-15-Greatest-NBA-Players-of-All-Time-20200329-0002.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">most dominant</a> big man in<a href="https://us.bolavip.com/nba-t19117" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> NBA </a>history and for very good reasons. He won 4 NBA championships, 3 Finals MVP, 2 Scoring titles, 1 MVP, 1 Rookie of the Year, and 3 All-Star MVPs.
It’s pretty safe to state that Shaq was surrounded by greatness throughout the course of his entire career. From Hardaway in the Orlando Magic to Kobe in the Los Angeles Lakers, Wade in the Miami Heat, and <a href="https://us.bolavip.com/lebron-james-t92259" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LeBron</a> in the Cleveland Cavaliers.
That’s why, even though he may have quite a difficult time choosing just the four best of his greatest teammates but even so, most people would agree that those 4 we mentioned should make the cut. Then again, Shaq isn’t most people.

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/SHAQ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SHAQ</a>’s Mount Rushmore of former teammates:
 ⭐️ Penny ⭐️ Kobe ⭐️ D-Wade ⭐️ Robert Horry
 (via <a href="https://twitter.com/DangerTalkPod?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DangerTalkPod</a> w/ <a href="https://twitter.com/DangeRussWilson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DangeRussWilson</a>) <a href="https://t.co/66D61MjAeE">pic.twitter.com/66D61MjAeE</a>
 — SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1303833395919761409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2020</a> </blockquote></div>
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<h2>Shaq Chooses Robert Horry Over LeBron James</h2>
Shaq attended the DangerTalk Podcast with Russell Wilson and revealed his Mt. Rushmore of former teammates, going with Penny Hardaway, Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, and – surprisingly – Robert Horry.
Hardaway and Shaq led the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals in 1995 and were one of the flashiest duos in the league during their time together. As for Kobe, they won three straight championships and put together one of the most dominant dynasties in modern basketball history.
An aging Shaq joined Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat and played a big role in that 2006 NBA championship, the first in franchise history, although it was the first time that he wasn’t named Finals MVP.
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Robert Horry played a huge role in the Lakers’ three-peat. His suffocating and pesky defense were among the best in the league and the guy had a feel for knocking down huge shots in the clutch. He also won 7 NBA championships through his career,so we get why he must hold him invery high regard.
Then again, considering Shaq <a href="http://us.bolavip.com/nba/Ranking-the-top-40-of-LeBron-James-teammates-from-worst-to-best-NBA-20200527-0001.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said he wanted to ‘Win a ring for the King’</a> in Cleveland and comparing LeBron’s path to Horry, it’s kind of head-scratching to see him snubbed of his Mt. Rushmore.
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penny hardaway