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Drew Hill | Memphis Commercial Appeal

Memphis Commercial Appeal

A familiar, little face to Penny Hardaway and Memphis fans is making a return.

Wednesday on ESPN's morning talk show "Get Up!" the Memphis basketball coach said his miniature alter ego, Lil Penny, would be appearing again.

"Lil Penny is actually going to be coming back out soon," Hardaway said on the show.

Lil Penny, of course, was the star of Hardaway's iconic Nike commercials in the 1990s, narrated by actor Chris Rock.

"Lil Penny is getting in shape," Hardaway added. "He's coming back."

The beloved character reached the peak of its popularity during Hardaway's years playing for the Orlando Magic with Shaquille O'Neal.

Hardaway and O'Neal reached the NBA Finals in 1995 but lost to the Houston Rockets.