While in High School, Hardnett played three sports including basketball, football, and baseball.

His accomplishments as a high school student-athlete are as follows: Hardnett went to Grambling College in 1958, and became an instant success.

During his days at Grambling, Hardnett played with players such as Willis Reed.

After the NBA, Hardnett went on to play in the Eastern Professional Basketball League (EPBL).

He played three more years of professional basketball for the Harrisburg Patriots and the Scranton Miners.

He and his wife had several grandchildren: Daveon, Wendy, William, Derek, Jeremy, Erin, and Charles Jr. (CJ).