Anfernee grew up in Memphis,Tennesse. His dad left when he was born. When he was about 11 his mom decided to go to California to become an entertainer. She wanted to take Anfernee with her; but Anfernee's grandmother wouldn't let her. She didn't want to have Anfernee taken all the way across the country.
His mom went to California and Anfernee stayed with his grandmother. Anfernee's grandmother was strict and helped keep Anfernee in line,she gave him a curfue of 6pm. His grandmother gave him his nickname "Penny". She was actually calling him pretty but she had such a southern accent that his friends thought that she was saying penny so that's what they called him. Penny went to Treadwell High School. He was named Parade magazine's High School player of the year. Penny decided to stay home for college and go to Memphis State. Anfernee had to miss out on his first season because he didn't have high enough grades. Penny graduated after his 3rd year at Memphis State. He was selected to scrimmage the 1992 Olympic basketbll team. Otherwise known as "The Dream Team." Penny was drafted in the first round,3rd overall. The first pick was Chris Webber and he was drafted by the Orlando Magic. Second pick went to the Philadelphia 76ers and they picked Shawn Bradley. Third pick went to the Golden State Warriors and they picked Penny. Less then 10 minutes later Penny was traded to the Magic for Chris Webber. Penny has excelled in the NBA. He has even been compared to Erving "Magic" Johnson. "It's an honor,"Penny has said. Magic Johnson is one of the greatest players of all time and Penny might also be, someday.