Anzy Hardman brings winning ways to Manchester basketball

In 40 seasons as a high school basketball coach, there’s little Anzy Hardman has not accomplished. That said, a missed opportunity in his past has led him to try and build on his legacy.

Hardman’s track record, which includes over 700 victories, speaks for itself. His six state championships leaves him tied for the sixth-most ever in Georgia. Hardman won titles in two of his three stops as a head coach, collecting four at Woodbury in the 1980s and two at Taylor County in the early 2000s.

The only team Hardman never won a title with was Manchester, where he coached from 1990 until 1995. Several years later, Hardman has a chance to right what the 64-year-old coach perceives as a wrong for the Blue Devils.

Hardman has been hired once again as Manchester head coach, returning to the game one year after retiring from Taylor County. Hardman replaces George McElroy, who spent one season at the helm of the Manchester program.

“I am excited and feel good about it,” Hardman said. “Mostly, I feel good that the community is rallying behind me. I’ve had a lot of calls. They had a little group there that gave me a welcome back party. Stuff like that helps because if the community and the parents are behind me, the kids are going to fall in line because you have that total support.”

Hardman explained just how he became the new Manchester head coach. He said he enjoyed his one year of retirement, but a former player who was at Manchester gave his name to Manchester principal Henry Acree.

Pretty soon, those retirement plans were put back on hold.

“One of my ex-players said I’m just like an old punch-drunk boxer: I don’t know when to quit,” Hardman said. “I still love coaching, and there’s always been talent in the Manchester area. I still think there’s some talent there.”

Hardman also said he wanted to outdo his first tenure at the school, which included a state championship game appearance.

“I kind of feel like I owe Manchester something,” Hardman said. “I sure would like to bring them one. All of that comes into play.”

Hardman chalked up his success in coaching to a number of factors. Every great team must have talent, but he also stressed discipline and organization, which he said was instilled in him thanks to two years in the military. He also stressed the importance of work ethic and commitment to the sport.

“As some of my players have said, ‘If you don’t love the game of basketball, you can’t play for coach Hardman,’” Hardman said. “That’s the way it is. I challenge them, and we try to do the best we can.”

As far as his philosophy for the team, Hardman said conditioning will be crucial for the Blue Devils. He favors a press defense, which means man-to-man principles will be emphasized throughout the summer.

“We’re going to hang our hat on defense,” Hardman said. “That’s what I’m selling to them right now. You’ve got to be able to play upper-echelon defense. You want to challenge for a championship. If you follow any type of sports, champions play defense.”

Offensively, Hardman wants the Blue Devils to use just as much energy. He wants to see a fast-break attack for Manchester which quickly turns the defense’s triumphs into points on the other end.

“We’re going to be a disciplined team, but we’re going to be fun to watch,” Hardman said. “We’re going to be action: We’re going to pressure, press and run fast breaks. We’re going to work hard, be a team and let the chips fall where they may.

“I feel good about it. I think we’ve got a legitimate shot to have a good team. It’s up to us on how far we go.”

This story was originally published May 31, 2017 at 5:46 PM with the headline "Anzy Hardman brings winning ways to Manchester basketball."