Like any college coach these days, Penny Hardaway finds himself trying to sell an old school system to recruits with new school sensibilities.
For decades, including when Hardaway was a lanky point guard sensation coming up in Memphis, the route from prep to pros went through college. In Hardaway’s case, that meant the University of Memphis, where the now 50-year-old is the head basketball coach.
It was about joining the team. Representing your school. Reaching March Madness.
Then, and only then, came the NBA. That was the 1990s.
These days a kid like Anfernee Hardaway might seek that same path.