Penny Hardaway Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description
Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway (born July 18, 1971 in Memphis, Tennessee) is an American basketball player in the NBA for the New York Knicks. He adopted the nickname "Penny" from his grandmother who used to call him "pretty"; but because of her accent, it sounded like she was saying "Penny" and hence his friends began to call him by that name.He grew up playing basketball in Tennessee, and committed to go to the University of Memphis. After a successful two years in college, he was selected by the Golden State Warriors in the first round (third pick overall) of the 1993 NBA Draft. However, in a draft day deal, he was traded to the Orlando Magic for the rights to Chris Webber and three future first-round picks. He immediately made an impact on the league, winning MVP of the Schick Rookie Game and was the runner-up for Rookie of the Year. He led his team to the NBA Finals in his second season where they lost to the Houston Rockets, and was named to the 1996 Olympic Basketball Team.
He played in the NBA All-Star Game during his first three years in the league and was named to the All-NBA First Team in 1995 and 1996, as well as the All-NBA Third Team in 1997. At about the same time, a popular advertising campaign (by Nike, Inc) featuring Hardaway made him a household name, and it appeared that he would be one of the top and most visible players in the league for years to come. But a devastating left knee injury he incurred early in the 1997-1998 NBA season required surgery and forced him to miss the rest of that season. Since then, Hardaway has had continued problems with his left knee, most notably missing most of the 2000-2001 season due to a long recuperation following further surgery on that knee. Though he continues to be a solid performer, his balky left knee robbed him of a chance to become one of the legends of the game. Today, Penny is known for his high basketball IQ and all around versatility.
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