The glint of a matte black key dangling from Penny Hardaway’s neck during Memphis Tigers games isn’t just a fashion statement; it’s a powerful symbol with deep personal meaning. While most coaches rely on clipboards and whistles, Hardaway carries something more profound, a physical reminder of the belief that has become his signature talisman.
The Symbolic Power of Penny Hardaway’s Key
This isn’t just any key. Inscribed with the word “Believe” it comes from The Giving Keys, a Los Angeles-based company that repurposes keys into meaningful jewelry while supporting Chrysalis, a nonprofit helping people transition out of homelessness through employment resources.
Hardaway’s key represents his unwavering philosophy of belief and confidence both in himself and his team. He first wore it during his inaugural 2018-19 season as Memphis Tigers head coach.
After keeping it tucked away in his locker for three years, Hardaway felt compelled to bring it back, sensing the time was right to resurrect this personal emblem.
For Hardaway, this isn’t merely an accessory but a physical manifestation of his coaching ethos.
Keys universally symbolize unlocking potential, opening doors to new opportunities and accessing hidden power. Hardaway displays his dedication to unlock player potential and bring victory through belief by wearing this piece prominently.
From NBA Star to Championship Coach
Penny Hardaway’s journey from electrifying NBA guard to accomplished college coach represents a remarkable second act in basketball. Before pacing the sidelines, Hardaway dazzled on courts nationwide as one of the 1990s’ most dynamic players, forming a legendary duo with Shaquille O’Neal in Orlando and earning four NBA All-Star selections.
When injuries shortened his playing career, Hardaway found a new calling in coaching. His path began touchingly at Lester Middle School in 2011, stepping in for his friend Desmond Merriweather during cancer treatment.
That team’s 28-3 record and West Tennessee State title foreshadowed Hardaway’s coaching prowess, which blossomed further at East High School, where he captured three consecutive Tennessee state championships from 2016-2018.
Since returning to his alma mater in March 2018 as head coach, Hardaway has transformed Memphis basketball with the same flair that defined his playing style.
His accomplishments include securing the nation’s No.1 recruiting class in 2019, winning the 2021 NIT Championship, making back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances in 2022 and 2023, capturing the 2023 AAC Tournament Championship, and claiming the 2025 AAC Regular Season title with an impressive 16-2 conference record.
Hardaway stands as one of the most accomplished college basketball coaches due to his 161-67 (.706) winning record.
The key he wears like a necklace symbolically proved accurate because of his exceptional player connections, top recruit acquisitions, and Memphis Tigers’ national rehabilitation success. Hardaway’s approach as a coach enables him to reveal talent potential within his players along with championship doors.
KEEP READING: Penny Hardaway Salary, Contract, and Net Worth
The matte black key hanging from Penny Hardaway’s neck serves as a perfect metaphor for his coaching journey taking something seemingly ordinary and transforming it into something extraordinary through unwavering belief.
Hardaway follows The Giving Keys’ model of turning discarded items into valuable treasures by using his leadership together with unwavering belief to transform both basketball programs and young athletes’ lives.
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