Video: Penny Hardaway coaching at Memphis EastYoung Mustangs poised for big run over the next few years under former NBA star.Penny Hardaway, 2015-16 MaxPreps National Coach of the Year?
It's not that far-fetched of a notion. In his first season as head coach at
Memphis East (Memphis, Tenn.), the former NBA star has led the Mustangs to a 23-1 record and No. 15 national record.
Making that achievement more impressive is the fact that East has eight underclassmen on the roster, led by sophomore guard
Terrance Moss and freshman forward
Chandler Lawson (younger brother of current University of Memphis Tigers Dedric and K.J. Lawson).
Hardaway, who spent 14 seasons in the NBA, has previous coaching experience at nearby Lester Middle School and on the EYBL circuit. His Mustangs have wins over teams from Arkansas, Georgia and Mississippi this season, and have 11 wins by 20 points or more against in-state foes.
East beat Malik Monk and Bentonville (Ark.) in January at an annual event in Memphis called the Penny Hardaway National Hoopfest – yeah, he's kind of a big deal in Bluff City.
