Jason Gardner
School and Year (1997-98) Indy North Central HS, IN
Height and Weight 5'11 170lbs
Position Point Guard
96-97 Ratings #4 (PS), #5 (HS)
97-98 Ratings #8 (HS), #10 (RUSA), #6 (DV)
#32 (BG), #5 guard (BO), #8 (JT)
Academically Eligible Yes (2.8 GPA)
Status Verballed to Arizona (7/13)
AAU team No Excuses
Player Summary ·
Player News ·
Game Stats ·
Season Stats ·
Honors ·
IHSAA Schedule
Jason Gardner plays point for Indianapolis North Central High
School, a team not only highly ranked in the state of Indiana but also
nationally. Gardner has also been recognized individually as one of the
top players in his class, as early as his 10th birthday when he won his
first AAU championship. He boasts a very quick first step and an intensity
that makes coaching basketball a lot easier for his coaches. Not only
a student of the game, Gardner is also a student in the classroom. He
is a quiet leader on and off the floor. His offensive punch needs
developing, but he does have good range and exhibits flashy moves. He
excels at driving to the basket and either making the shot or getting
the fouls (shoots from the line at 70%). Hangs well in the air and adept
at throwing up the last second floating jumper. Born November 14, 1980.
Son of James Sr. and Stephanie Gardner. Has two sisters and one brother.
Enjoys basketball, traveling, going to movies and collecting sports
memorabilia.
Going into and coming out of his junior year as the state's #1
player, Gardner averaged 21.4 points, shooting 50% from the field and
40% from the perimeter, for 14-7 North Central HS. North Central was
knocked off in the Sectional finals by eventual 4A state champion
Indianapolis Pike, finishing ranked #10 in Indiana Class 4A.
In his sophomore season, Gardner averaged 15.3 points, and posted
team highs in assists (4.3) and steals (2.7) for a team nationally ranked
by USA TODAY and a frequent visitor to the #1 ranking in Indiana.
Jason Gardner averaged 8.1 points and 2.0 assists per game his
freshman year of high school for a 14-10 squad.
Gardner's career high of 27 points came in the 1997 sectional finals
against Lawrence North.
7-15-98...Here's a link to a story in the Arizona Star on the
committment of Jason Gardner.
7-14-98...Jason Gardner has committed to the University of Arizona.
7-13-98...Remember the photo linked below showing Gardner's right
knee padded? I received an email from Caroline Williams of USA Basketball
today stating Gardner was not playing injured. She stated it was likely just
ice, but hadn't heard of him needing ice at any time.
7-11-98...Gardner has a gold medal to show for him play this summer
with the US National team in the Dominican Republic. The US finished
with a perfect 6-0 record Saturday as they defeated Team Argentina 91-66.
Brazil (3-3) edged past Venezuela (3-3) 74-70 to earn the bronze medal.
From the official USA Basketball media release, Gardner had this to say...
"I think it was a great honor to be coached by a lot of great coaches
here and it's an honor to win a gold medal for your country. The gold
medal is great and I also want to win a state championship next year,
just like a lot of the guys on this team have done. Being around them,
I've learned a lot of other moves that I can use on the court next
year to improve my game even more. If I get invited back next year, I
hope to win a gold medal at the worlds, but for now this is a great
feeling." For the six game series, Jason averaged 9 minutes per
contest, hitting for 2.5 points, 1.8 assists and 1.2 turnovers per game.
Next up is a plane ride to Las Vegas to get ready for the Big Time
tournament.
7-10-98...Quentin Richardson (Chicago Whitney Young HS)
recorded 17 points to lead a balanced scoring attack as the 1998 USA
Men's Junior World Championship Qualifying Team (5-0) downed Venezuela
(3-2) 103-79 to advance to the gold medal game at the 1998 COPABA
Men's Junior World Championship Qualification Tournament in Puerto
Plata, Dominican Republic. Gardner contributed 3 points in 6 minutes of
play.
7-9-98...Behind a 27 point effort by Michael Wright (Chicago
Farragut, IL), the 1998 USA Men's Junior World Championship Qualifying Team
(4-0) survived a second half rally by Brazil (2-2) to earn a 95-73 victory
at the 1998 COPABA Men's Junior World Championship Qualification Tournament
in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic on Thursday evening. Northwestern bound
Steve Lepore shot 5-7 from the perimeter. Gardner only had five minutes of
playing time and didn't score. A look at this picture from the scene gives
the appearance that Jason might be injured (notice the wrapped right knee).
7-8-98...Previously undefeated Team Argentina was expected to give
Team USA some strong competition on Tuesday, but it didn't happen. Team USA
cruised to a 94-51 win, going undefeated in pool play and wrapping up
a bid to the 1999 FIBA World Championships. DePaul bound Bobby Simmons
led the US with 16 points. Jason added just one point, two rebounds
and one steal in nine minutes. It appears he is wearing a rather large
pack on his right knee, but no indication of an injury has hit the media.
(stats below)
7-7-98...Game two of the Junior World Championships was a little
kinder to Gardner. He scored 9 points in 20 minutes of play, dishing out
4 assists. He is still cold from the perimeter, again going 0-3. Team
USA defeated Team Cuba by 71 points, 131-60. Cuba only had two players
score more than 5 points. Team USA moves on to face undefeated Team
Argentina Tuesday at 2:00pm. (more stats below)
7-6-98...The 1998 USA Men's Junior World Championship Qualifying
Team opened competition with a 108-70 victory over Team Canada, behind a
combined 40 points and 16 rebounds from Quentin Richardson (Whitney Young /
Chicago, IL) and Bobby Simmons (Simeon / Chicago, IL), at the 1998 COPABA
Men's Junior World Championship Qualification Tournament in Puerto Plata,
Dominican Republic. Gardner finished with 2 points and 4 assists in 13
minutes of action. (more stats below)
7-6-98...A little bit more on the USA Junior National Team, where
Jason will spend time over the next week. The USA Junior National Team
consists of 12 players 18-years-old or younger (born on or after January 1,
1980). The tournament they are playing this summer is a qualifying
tournament which will send the top three teams to the 1999 FIBA World
Championships. The qualifying tournament will consist of junior national
teams from eight countries in FIBA's "Americas Zone". The 1998 COPABA Junior
World Championship Qualifying Tournament features two preliminary round
pools of four teams each. The USA will compete in Group A, along with
Argentina, Canada and Cuba, while Brazil, host Dominican Republic, Mexico
and Venezuela will play in Group B. The schedule for the qualifying
tournament for Team USA is as follows...
Preliminary Round
July 5 - USA vs. Canada 9:00pm
July 6 - Cuba vs. USA 5:00pm
July 7 - USA vs. Argentina 2:00pm
Consolation Round
July 8 - 5th / 6th place: Group A (3rd place) vs. Group B (3rd place)
- 7th / 8th place: Group A (4th place) vs. Group B (4th place)
Semifinals
July 9 - Group A (1st place) vs. Group B (2nd place)
- Group A (2nd place) vs. Group B (1st place)
July 10 - Group A (1st place) vs. Group B (1st place)
- Group A (2nd place) vs. Group B (2nd place)
Finals
July 11 - Bronze Medal Game: Third vs. Fourth
- Gold Medal Game: First vs. Second
The team is being coached by Jim "The Big Ten makes me want to puke"
Boeheim of Syracuse, Rob Evans of Ole Miss, and Dan Hays of Oklahoma
Christian University.
7-4-98...Go to the Nike "meat market" Camp, or play for Team USA?
It wasn't a tough choice for Gardner when he heard he had made the final cut
for the USA Junior National Team. Gardner has withdrawn from the Nike Camp
and will spend next week in the Caribbean playing for Team USA.
7-1-98...The Indianapolis Star has another article on Jason.
7-1-98...Gardner will attend the Nike Camp in Indianapolis next
week.
6-22-98...A scouting report on Jason Gardner from last Wednesday's
exihibition against the Junior All-Star team..."Jason Gardner... Super
quick point man. Probably closer to 5-9 than 5-11. Saw him last summer
and wasn't sure he was as tall as me (5-8). Good strength. Excellent
leaping ability. Can stop on a dime and deliver. Looks for own offense
first. Can pass well, but is NOT an instinctive pointman. More of a
Damon Stoudamire / Travis Best type that can score but doesn't really
run your team. Can get his shot off against about anyone. Can pull up
from 3 off the dribble." (scouting report by RMKFAN)
6-18-98...Gardner led the Junior All-Star team in scoring with 17
points in a 133-92 loss to the Senior All-Stars on Wednesday. The Junior
All-Stars will get another crack at the Seniors next Wednesday at
Noblesville. Follow this link to the Events page from more details. (stats below)
6-10-98...The University of Arizona not only recently hired a
highly qualified restricted earnings coach, but they also may have
strengthened their postion with Jason Gardner. Arizona announced the
hiring of Oregon assistant Jay John to the restricted earnings position.
John is a graduate of the University of Arizona (1981) in Biology, and
also played high school ball in the Tuscon area. John has 11 years of
NCAA Division I coaching experience, including positions at San Francisco
(88-89), Butler University (90-97) and Oregon (98). What has this got to
do with Gardner, you ask? Jay John coached with current North Central High
head coach Doug Mitchell at Butler. John's duties at Arizona will be varied,
including working with the big men, assisting in scouting and recruiting,
game preparation, academics and public relations.
6-5-98...A nice article showing a more personal side of Jason Gardner
at this Cattracks link. Arizona still has Gardner as their #1, but Lute is
also recruiting two other junior point guards in 6'1 Julius Barnes (Rowland
Heights HS) and 6'3 Kevin Gaines (Las Vegas Clark). The two schools
other than Purdue on Jason's list are Kansas and Duke. Duke picked up a top
ranked guard in William Avery last year, who was a Parade All-American and
made the Junior National team. It is possible Duke could move Avery to the
2-guard, but the point is his natural position. Kansas signed a point guard
last year also in Jeff Boschee, a kid rated as the #1 point guard in the
nation by Ultimate Hoops, and among the top40 by most all other magazines.
Boschee had an outstanding season last year for the Jayhawks. Moving
Boschee to the 2-guard will not be easy, since McDonalds All-American
Kenny Gregory is there along with Texas transfer Luke Axtell at the 3. In
Purdue's favor, the team's two point guards, Alan Eldridge and Tony Mayfield,
will be graduated when Gardner hits campus. Keady does not want to put
either Carson Cunningham or Maynard Lewis at the point, so Gardner could
step into the starting role immediately, playing major minutes his freshman
year. With the people Keady has plugged into the lineup, the 99-00 team
looks to be a national contender, especially with Gardner at the point.
A point guard for that season is the missing piece to the puzzle.
6-3-98...Gardner has made the first cut for the 1998 USA Basketball
Men's Junior National Team. The following list will be pared down to 12
following further trials next month. Gardner will be joined by (in alphabetical
order)... Steve Blake (Miami, FL), Matt Carroll (Hatsboro, PA), Kenyon Dooling
(Fort Lauderdale, FL), Adam Hall (Katy, TX), Nick Collison (Iowa Falls, IO),
Jon Harris (Edwardsville, IL), DerMarr Johnson (Kensington, MD), Jason
Kapono (Artesia, CA), Steve LePore (Lakewood, OH), Mike Miller (Mitchell, SD),
Quentin Richardson (Chicago, IL), Shane Schilling (Minnetoka, MN), Bobby
Simmons (Chicago, IL) and Micheal Wright (Chicago, IL).
5-30-98...It is now being reported by two of the pay recruiting
sites that Gardner is down to four schools...Arizona, Purdue, Duke and
Kansas. Hats off to the source that told us this would happen back on
May 5th. You guys are the best. Keep the info coming!
5-9-98...Jason Gardner has been selected by USA Basketball as one
of 30 players to tryout for the 1998 Men's Junior World Championship Team.
Gardner will join fellow Purdue prospect Vincent Hart in Colorado Springs
on May 29 to compete for a spot on the 12-member squad. Gardner has
competition at the guard position from only 6 other guard candidates.
5-5-98...Click here for an article from the Journal and Courier on the
recruitment of Jason Gardner. Sources say his final list is down to four,
however, including Arizona, Purdue, Duke and Kansas. Arizona is still rumored
to be the leader. This article from Cattracks gives an idea of the
involvement of Arizona at the moment.
4-30-98...Gardner will be playing in Mackey Arena this weekend
along with his AAU team "No Excuses". No Excuses early games are on FRI 6:00P
Court 1 (Mackey), FRI 9:00P Court 9 (Co-Rec) and SAT 2:00P Court 3 (IAF).
4-27-97...The Recruiting Beat website has Gardner ranked #6 in the
junior class, and as the class' best point guard. The site also ranks
Vincent Hart at #18.
4-6-98...Although an official paring of his list of a handful of
of top programs has yet to happen, rumors are that Jason might be down to
three schools...Arizona, Duke and Purdue. His mother reportedly likes Purdue,
but has said she would consider moving if Jason decides to go out of the
midwest. The recent announcement that Arizona's Mike Bibby would enter the
NBA draft may be making Arizona look quite irresistible now.
3-26-98...The national awards are beginning to roll in for Jason.
He was named the Gatorade Circle of Champions Indiana Player of the Year,
and will be named to the Parade All-American fourth team this weekend.
3-7-98...North Central wasn't able torepeat with a victory over
#2 Pike, falling in a close one 69-66. A scouting report from the game...
"I had seen Gardner previously and this game reinforced my positive
impressions about him. Gardner appears a bit like a Kenny Anderson kind of
player, rather slight of stature and build, but silky smooth, quick and an
effective jump shooter. He is great at taking the ball to the hole and
dishing or shooting. He made it to the line many times and at least in this
game hit the majority of his foul shots. I think he ended up with 27 points
27 points or so." (scouting report by Thom)
2-10-98...Jason Gardner unofficially visited Purdue for the Indiana
game.
2-7-98...Bob Knight was looking from the rafters during the North
Central/Marion game. Some suggest he was there scouting Zach Randolph from
Marion.
1-20-98...Jason has visited another school unofficially. As rumored,
he visited Kansas this past weekend.
1-16-98...Rumors that Jason Gardner has been talked off his AAU
team are premature. He is still on the roster for Gary Betts' "No Excuses"
AAU squad. The rumors revolve around Nike trying to place him on this
years version of last years CHM 76ers. The 76ers, also called the Nike
Superteam by some, featured Corey Maggette and a host of highly recruited
kids. Restricted by pitiful coaching, the 76ers were spanked in overtime
in the Spiece Run N' Slam semis by the Illinois Warriors. It was likely
the most sickening display of wasted talent I had ever experienced.
1-12-98...Add Indiana to the list of unofficial visits. Jason and
his coach recently attended the Ohio State game.
1-12-98...Scouting report from the first round loss in the Marion
County tournament to Pike High School..."Jason is good, but I have a hard time
believing that he is a top 5 point guard in the country based on tonight's
performance. Of course I didn't think much of Rod [Smith] the first time I saw
him either. That is why one needs to see players several times. Jason is quick
but leaves his feet too much on offense when he penetrates to pass the ball.
He gets too deep sometimes as well. Nice stroke, but a little low on his
release. Nice body and a good player." (scouting report by Tom)
1-8-98...Along with his mother, Jason Gardner just finished a visit
to the University of Arizona campus. The local media reported that he has
completed unoffical visits to Purdue, Duke, Ohio State and now Arizona. He
still plans to visit Kansas, and then likely will announce early.
11-26-97...A 97-98 season preview by the Indianapolis Star.
11-25-97...Gardner may choose to sign earlier than this summer. He is
also scheduled for a January unofficial visit to Arizona.
10-22-97...What is being spun as a last minute change to favor
Duke's midnight madness over Purdue's Mackey Magic, it now appears that the
plans for Jason to be in North Carolina were made in advance. Gardner is
considering Duke and North Carolina, along with Purdue and Indiana. Arizona
is also said to be getting his attention too.
10-19-97...Although rumored to be attending Mackey Magic, Jason
Gardner was not seen in Mackey. Duke fans are reporting he travelled to
North Carolina for their opening practice instead.
10-12-97...Regardless of the rumors floating around about Gardner,
he is just now beginning his process of looking at schools. Some schools
being mentioned at this stage are Purdue, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, North
Carolina and others. Recent rumors point to Purdue being high on that
list with some speculating at the top. But according to North Central
coach Doug Mitchell, people should remember he is early in the process.
"I keep hearing he's closed Indiana out, and I keep hearing he's going
to Purdue," said Mitchell to the Times. "That's not the case. He's
trying to gather information." Gardner's plans are to have his list
narrowed early next year and plans to choose a college by next summer.
Purdue will be looking to fill the guard positions with someone
from the class of 1999 and/or 2000. Carson Cunningham, who can play at
either guard position, will be in the lineup through the 2000-2001 season.
Maynard Lewis, who is also a combo guard, will be around for the 2001-2002
season. The coaching staff is very high on Gardner, and will likely extend
a scholarship offer even if Austin Parkinson wishes to join the Boilers the
following year. Having one of the best guard combinations in the nation
in that 2000-2001 season with Cunningham, Lewis, Gardner and Parkinson
will be the selling point that could bring in both players.
7-15-97...Another outstanding performance against the elite players
at the Nike Camp for Jason Gardner. His breakout performance last year got
him noticed, and this years performance is getting him press. Considered
by many as one of the top three rising junior players at the camp, Gardner
was more noticed for his consistency over the span of the camp. Defensively
he's very strong, hounding the ball with great control. His offensive
skills are improving, as he seems to be shooting better and making better
decisions along the way. What is the most interesting is that he stands
out as a floor leader at a camp notorious for selfish play. His performance
at this camp should solidify his place as one of the top 10 players in his
class.
DATE MIN FG FGA FT FTA 3P 3PA RB A B S PTS
--------------------------------------------------
* 07-11-98 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Won 91- Team Argentina 66
* 07-10-98 6 1 1 1 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 3 Won 103- Venezuela 79
07-09-98 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 Won 95- Team Brazil 73
07-07-98 9 0 0 1 2 0 0 2 0 0 1 1 Won 94- Team Argentina 51
07-06-98 20 3 9 3 4 0 3 0 4 0 1 9 Won 131- Team Cuba 60
07-05-98 13 1 4 0 0 0 3 1 4 0 1 2 Won 108- Team Canada 70
06-17-98 6 12 3 5 2 6 17 Lost 92- Senior AS 133
05-02-98 5 6 1 17 Lost 60- Spiece South 70
05-01-98 9 0 4 22 Won 88- Salt Lake 84
05-01-98 3 2 1 8 Lost 65- LA Rockfish 74
03-06-98 10 15 2 3 2 7 24 Won 69- Carmel 58
02-27-98 4 9 34 Won 81- Jeffersonville 71
02-21-98 17 Won 86- Warsaw 69
02-14-98 17 Won 70- Carmel 61
02-13-98 3 14 5 9 2 8 13 Lost 59- #15 Kokomo 66
02-06-98 6 15 9 11 5 10 26 Won 75- #3 Marion 61
01-31-98 30 Lost 69- Lawrence N. 72
01-24-98 3 18 Won 55- #1 Pike 51
01-23-98 24 Won 69- Ben Davis 64
01-12-98 21 Lost 65- #2 Pike 85
01-09-98 17 Won 55- Warren C. 54
01-07-98 20 Won 71- Indy Northwest 54
12-19-97 24 Lost 66- #5 Anderson 67
12-05-97 10 16 8 9 4 8 32 Won 75- Lawrence C. 57
11-26-97 19 Won 80- Broad Ripple 61
03-08-97 25 Lost 62- Cathedral 66
03-08-97 8 Won 66- Decatur C. 63
02-28-97 6 11 13 15 2 2 27 Won 63- Lawrence C. 58
02-27-97 7 Won 68- Lawrence N. 61
02-21-97 6 11 4 7 1 2 18 Won 67- #14 Jeff'ville 59
02-20-97 11 Won 72- Warsaw 59
02-14-97 6 20 7 7 0 2 7 19 Lost 66- #14 Kokomo 68
02-07-97 18 Lost 61- Marion 82
02-01-97 10 Won 62- Lawrence N 56
01-31-97 21 Won 71- Terre Haute N 66
01-25-97 10 Lost 52- Indy Pike 65
01-24-97 3 5 6 7 12 Won 74- #2 Ben Davis 62
01-18-97 5 12 3 4 0 4 11 13 Won 83- Franklin Cent 75
01-18-97 4 8 2 4 0 0 10 Won 69- Lawrence N. 63
01-14-97 6 9 6 9 4 5 22 Won 63- #2 Ben Davis 62
01-13-97 2 1 5 Won 64- Lutheran 33
01-10-97 9 12 2 2 2 3 22 Won 76- Lawrence Cent 57
12-28-96 7 18 Won 71- Vincennes 65
12-27-96 1 16 Won 74- E'ville Bosse 60
12-20-96 2 11 Won 92- Park Tudor 52
12-19-96 1 17 Won 75- Carmel 48
12-14-96 11 Won 66- Tech 52
12-06-96 5 10 4 8 0 1 5 14 Won 45- Lawrence Cent 38
02-23-96 20 Lost 70- Anderson 79
02-09-96 0 0 3 4 3 Lost 54- Kokomo 68
Season thru PPG FG% FT% 3P% RPG APG SPG BPG RECORD RANK
-----------------------------------------------------------------
97-98 season 21.4 .500 .732 .397 14-7 #10(IN)
02-21-98 20.4 .736 .405 12-6 #14(IN)
02-09-98 21.1 .768 .420 10-6 #11(IN)
01-14-98 19.7 .764 .429 7-2 #8(IN)
01-07-98 20.0 .744 .410 5-2 #9(IN)
12-13-97 19.0 .933 3-0 #2(IN)
12-09-97 25.5 2-0 #3(IN)
96-97 season 15.3 4.3 2.7 22-4 #7(IN)
03-10-97 15.3 3.1 22-3 #7(IN)
03-03-97 15.2 21-3 #7(IN)
02-19-97 15.1 3.2 17-3 #9(IN)
01-13-97 16.1 .571 .700 .375 4.5 10-0 #1(IN) #14(US)
01-06-97 16.0 4.5 8-0 #2(IN)
12-28-96 16.5 4.0 6-0 #2(IN)
95-96 season 8.0 2.0 14-10
97-98 season Preseason All-State First Team (Hoosier Basketball)
Street & Smith Preseason All-American
USA TODAY Top Underclassman to Watch
Gatorade Circle of Champions Indiana Player of the Year
Parade All-American Fourth Team
All-County, All-Conference First Team (Indy Star)
Underclassman All-State Team (IBCA)
All-State Third Team (Associated Press)
Indiana Junior All-Star Team Core selection
All-State Top15 (Bloomington Herald)
USA TODAY Indiana Player-of-the-Year
USA Basketball Junior World Championship Team
96-97 season Marion County All-Tourney team
Hinkle All-Regional Team
Indianapolis All-County First Team (Indy Star)
Indianapolis Star Player of the Year
Indiana All-State High Honorable Mention (Associated Press)
Date Day Time Opponent
---- --- ---- --------------------
11/26/97 WED 6:30P W Broad Ripple
12/05/97 FRI 6:30P W Lawrence Central
12/13/97 SAT 6:30P W Indianapolis Tech
12/19/97 FRI 6:30P L @ Anderson
12/20/97 SAT 6:30P W @ Center Grove
12/29/97 MON 6:30P L Evansville Bosse (Vincennes Lincoln Tourney)
12/30/97 TUE 6:30P W Lawrenceville, IL (Vincennes Lincoln Tourney)
01/07/98 WED 6:00P W @ Indianapolis Northwest
01/09/98 FRI 6:30P W @ Warren Central
01/12/98 MON 7:30P L Marion County Tourney (@ Warren Central)
vs Pike
01/23/98 FRI 6:30P W @ Ben Davis
01/24/98 SAT 6:30P W Pike
01/30/98 FRI 6:30P L @ Terre Haute North Vigo
01/31/98 SAT 6:30P L Lawrence North
02/06/98 FRI 6:30P W Marion
02/13/98 FRI 6:30P L Kokomo
02/14/98 SAT 6:30P W @ Carmel
02/21/98 SAT 1:00P W @ Warsaw
02/27/98 FRI 6:30P W @ Jeffersonville
03/06/98 FRI 6:00P W Sectional vs Carmel (@ Noblesville)
03/07/98 SAT 7:30P L Sectional finals vs #2 Pike (@ Noblesville)
* Times subject to change *
* To confirm game time call North Central HS at 317-259-5359 *
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