Memphis Tigers coach Penny Hardaway is clearly grooming the young guns for some game gumption and glory. Being one of the lucky ones, he’s also mentoring both his sons – Jayden and Ashton Hardaway. Penny’s young ones are impressing everyone with their skill and show. The hype is such that many are describing the duo as the resurrection of their young father who once created ruckus as a college athlete.

During his time on the court, Penny Hardaway made a well-respected name for himself even after suffering from major setbacks. In 1993, he was selected as the first overall pick in the NBA draft by the Golden State Warriors, which began a new chapter of his life. Over the years, he was traded to Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, and New York Knicks, where he was a four-time NBA All-Star and a two-time All-NBA First Team member. And now, he has donned the role of a mentor who coaches budding stars including his sons. 

Jayden Hardaway’s court journey 

Born in 1999, Jayden currently plays for the Memphis Tigers as a small forward and under the guidance of coach and father Penny Hardaway. Since his childhood, Jayden has shown an interest in the sport of basketball. As a kid he used to watch his father’s play and left in awe by his incredible talent and skills. He eventually decided to follow in the footsteps of his dad. 

In an interview on Behind The Stripes by the University of Memphis Athletics, he said, “Man, I remember being a little five-year-old kid traveling around to different games just to watch him play. Just being around all of that at such an early age made me fall in love with basketball. By the time I was seven years old, I was already shooting on one of those mini hoops around the house.”

But, having a dad who has a reputation in the field comes with its fair share of challenges. While Jayden is his own man, fans expect great things from him and compare him to his father. While for many this can be too much of a pressure, as he understands the responsibility that comes with the name of Hardaway. He further said in the interview, “People love to compare me to my dad. But let’s be real — I’m not my dad. I’m not him, and he’s not me. I wear the Hardaway name on the back of my jersey with a ton of pride because of everything my dad accomplished. Don’t get me wrong……….. My dad’s story has been legendary. But this is my story. This is my path to walk.” 

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Currently, Jayden averages 4.5 points, 0.3 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game, and being a senior this year, he will be expected to get picked in the next NBA draft. As the sport flows in the blood of his family, his brother Ashton Hardaway is an exceptional player too. 

Ashton is a rising star

Following in his father’s and brother’s footsteps, Ashton also committed to the Tigers in November 2022. The 2023-24 NCAA season will be his first college tournament, but with the help of his father, fans hope to see exceptional performances by him. 

In his high school career, Ashton played for the Sierra Canyon where with his impeccable skills and talent, he had the fans on their toes. Just before committing to the Tigers, he played a game in which he scored 20 points and when he found himself completely locked he showcased his exceptional passing skills. His three-pointer during the game was his ability that stood out the most.

In an interview with the Commercial Appeal, his father said, “He’s, to me, arguably, one of the top shooters in the country. I’d say one of the top three shooters in the country in his class, if not No. 1. That’s his thing. He has a gift.”

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As he plays for the Tigers as a freshman, in his fourth match of the season, Ashton only got 18 minutes of playing time and still managed to score 17 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 block which served as a testament to how great he can be as his future unfolds. Seeing both the coach’s sons making their own path in the sport, has the fans excitedly waiting to know how their story will unfold.