Ashton Hardaway, a freshman forward at the University of Memphis and former standout at Sierra Canyon in Chatsworth, California, has begun carving his path in college basketball. During his first year with the Tigers, Hardaway averaged 2.3 points per game and shot 33.3% from beyond the arc.
He made an early impression by scoring 17 points and sinking five 3-pointers in a Battle 4 Atlantis victory over Michigan. However, he failed to reach double figures again, with no other game topping eight points. His top performance at Saint Mary’s came on Jan. 29 against Santa Clara, when he registered nine points in a winning effort.
Meet the Family Behind Memphis Freshman Ashton Hardaway
Born July 21, 2004, Ashton Hardaway is the son of Memphis head coach and NBA great Penny Hardaway and businesswoman Dionne Richardson. His upbringing has been shaped by the values and guidance of both parents, blending elite basketball pedigree with entrepreneurial influence.
Penny Hardaway, a four-time NBA All-Star, built a storied career with standout years for the Orlando Magic. Now the head coach at Memphis, Penny leads the team and his son, creating a rare dynamic of father and coach.
Penny has publicly praised Ashton’s shooting ability, calling it superior to his and his older son, Jayden. Penny’s basketball journey began at Treadwell High School and Memphis State University before the Golden State Warriors selected him in the first round of the 1993 NBA Draft. His professional career spanned 14 seasons, with honors including two All-NBA First Team selections.
Raised in Carson, California, Ashton spent much of his childhood with his mother, Dionne Richardson. Ashton is also part of a more prominent family, which includes his half-brother Jayden, who played at Memphis, and sisters LaTanfernee and another daughter from Penny’s previous relationship.
Ashton Hardaway Rejoins Memphis Tigers for the 2025-2026 Season
Ashton Hardaway is returning to the Tigers for the 2025-2026 season. The announcement was made via X, formerly known as Twitter. Ashton initially played for Memphis in 2023-2024 as a true freshman, averaging 2.3 points and 0.8 rebounds while shooting 33.3% from beyond the arc.
@Memphis_MBB 💙🐯 pic.twitter.com/tnRTz4Zgk1
— Ashton Hardaway (@ash_hardaway) April 12, 2025
His time at Saint Mary’s followed West Point and resulted in 2.1 points along with 1.2 rebounds and a successful 31% three-point percentage. The Saint Mary’s athletic squad took the West Coast Conference title and earned position 5 in the NCAA Tournament before their Alabama loss.
KEEP READING: What is Penny Hardaway’s Nickname? Uncovering the Origins of the Legendary Basketball Alias
Memphis’ roster is still under construction, awaiting decisions from key players like All-American PJ Haggerty. The Tigers also have commitments from Temple transfer Quante Berry, Overtime Elite guard Daniel Vieira-Tuck, and junior college transfer Felipe Patino.
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