Anfernee Hardaway

Many fans in Orlando were angered by the trade of first draft pick Chris Webber. At Penny's first game, he was booed loudly by the Orlando fans. He began to feel that he would never fit in with the Magic. Magic coach, Brian Hill, started Penny off at off guard. At about the halfway point of Hardaway's rookie season, he was moved to point guard. By the end of the season, Hardaway had averaged 16 points per game, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.6 assists. He had played in the NBA all-rookie team, and was 6 votes short of winning rookie of the year.

His next year was even more spectacular. At his new position, guard, Anfernee averaged 20.9 points, 1.69 steals, 4.4 rebounds, shot .512 from the floor, hit 87 three-pointers, and had 7.2 assists. He started in the NBA allstar game for the first time, and helped lead Orlando to the NBA Finals. Although Orlando was swept in the finals, Penny averaged 25.5 points and 8.0 assists against the Rockets.

The 1995-96 season was just as good as the last. Penny averaged 21.7 points per game, had a .513 field goal percentage, collected 582 assists, and had 354 rebounds. He was a key factor in the huge success story that was the Magic's season. During the playoffs, Anfernee has stayed consistent, not letting his performance drop.

Because of his playing ability, Penny was voted onto the 1996 USA "Dream Team." Him and many other NBA stars will compete against teams from numerous other countries to become the world champions of basketball. He should be the perfect addition to an already incredible group of players.

Anfernee Hardaway as you can see, is one of the greats in the NBA. With his speed, stamina, power and his determination, he will be remembered for years to come.

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