On These Courts: A Miracle Season That Changed a City, a Once-Future Star, and a Team Forever Tapa dura - 2013

Former NBA star Anfernee Penny Hardaway grew up in Binghampton, oneof the roughest sections of Memphis. Due in no small part to theself-discipline and strong values his grandmother instilled in him, plus his singulartalent, Penny beat the incredible odds and made it to the NBA. He was such aspecial player that it seemed inevitable that he would win at least onechampionship and end up in the Hall of Fame. But dogged by injuries, Penny wasnever able to live up to his full basketball star potential.

After retirement Pennyreturned to Memphis and struggled with the question most professional athletes facewhen their bright-lights careers come to an end: What now? The unexpectedanswer came from Desmond Merriweather, one of Pennys oldest friends. Desmondhad recently been diagnosed with colon cancer and needed someone to replace himas head coach of the Lester Middle School basketball team in the same dangerousneighborhood where Penny grew up. Without hesitating, Penny said, Im all in.

On These Courts is the moving story of Coach Penny helping his youngplayers navigate their way through impossible circumstances: failing grades, incarceratedfathers, gang pressures, and the crime-ridden streets of Memphis. But Pennynever shied away. He selflessly provided on-the-court coaching, helped kidswith homework, and became a positive role model who is committed to stayinginvolved in their lives. But this is not just a story about Penny; the truestars are the kids on the Lester Lions teamRobert Washington, Reggie Green,Kobe Freeman, and Desmonds own son Nick Merriweather who rewarded Penny withhis first championship season, winning the state title by one point. A penny.

A story of hope andinspiration, struggle, and triumph, On These Courts reveals the importanceand power of taking a stand in a community and learning what it truly means togive back.

A portion of theproceeds from this book will be donated to Pennys FastBreak Courts, part ofPenny Hardaways ongoing efforts to help at-risk youth in the Memphiscommunity.