| | If you are going to set goals, you might as well set them high. That is the philosophy of the University of Arizona freshman point guard Jason Gardner.
In a chat session with ESPN.com users, Gardner feels this year's Wildcat team is capable of a Final Four appearance and he is setting his sights on a national championship. Gardner also talked about how he chose Arizona after playing high school ball in Indiana and it has a lot to do with the point-guard tradition in Tucson.
If you missed Gardner's Nov. 3 chat, an edited transcript follows.
UA '97: How does it feel coming to a school that has produced so many NBA point guards?
| |  | | Gardner likes Lute Olson's history of point guards. |
Jason Gardner: It is a dream come true. It is something that I have always paid attention to when I watched this school because Coach
Olson has helped them get to the next level.
Brando: What was it about Arizona that convinced you to play there opposed to the other school
recruiting you?
Jason Gardner:
They have a great business school and that is going to be my major. I always liked the heritage they have
with the point guards they have produced. Also, they have a great coaching staff here.
T in Tucson: How does this year's Arizona team look?
Jason Gardner:
I think we have a great team. We have a nice inside game with Mike Wright and Loren Woods and a great
outside game. I think, all-around, we have a great combination inside and outside.
Jason: How do you you think you guys will do this year?
Jason Gardner:
For me, I always set my goals high so I am shooting for the national championship. But if we
play well and play together, and stick to our inside and outside game, we have a shot at the
Final Four. We have to click on all cylinders.
UA '97: Who is challenging you for the point guard duties?
Jason Gardner:
LaMont Frazier, he is a JUCO transfer. Everyday is a battle. He is strong, quick and can shoot
the ball. So every day in practice it is great competition.
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GARDNER'S FILE
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Gardner arrives at Arizona as one of the most decorated point guard prospects in the country. A 5-11, 175-pound guard from North Central H.S. in Indianapolis, Gardner averaged 22.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 3.0 steals per game as a senior. He concluded his high school career by being named a McDonald's All-American, Indiana's Mr. Basketball and a second-team Parade All-America. Gardner has a good shot to win the starting point guard job with the Wildcats right away, one of several first-year phenoms looking to contribute right away at their new schools.
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Bear Down: Has it helped you to have another Indiana Mr. Basketball player in Tucson with you in Luke
Recker?
Jason Gardner: I think so. When you are down or on a road trip, you have someone to turn to and we have
something in common. Indiana basketball is the greatest and it gives me somebody to talk to. I
still miss those high school days.
Rob: Have you spoken with any of the older 'Cats, gotten any tips or anything on what it's like to play
at the U of A?
Jason Gardner: I have talked with a few older guys and everyone just tells me to control the ball and get the ball to the right people in the right spots. I
grew up playing point guard, so I am used to it. That is the position I played in high school, I
have always been the shortest guy, so I am used playing the position and know what it takes.
Wildcat9: Are you nervous to play your first real game at McKale?
Jason Gardner:
Not really, I will be more excited than nervous. To walk on that floor will be a dream come true. My mom
will have tears in her eyes and getting to play with this group of guys will be a great experience
for me.
Travis: What game are you most looking forward too?
Jason Gardner:
None really. For me as a freshman, I don't have any real rivals yet. Every game will be important for
me in the Pac-10 because it will be the first time facing that school and the first time they will
see me in an Arizona jersey.
Rob in Indy: Who do you think is the team to beat in Indiana high school basketball this year?
Jason Gardner:
North Central -- they are the defending state champs and my high school. I think they can go
far and have a great season.
Greg: What was the biggest factor in you picking Arizona over, say, Indiana?
Jason Gardner:
The main thing I was looking at was where the coaches have taken their point guards and if they
have been able to get to the next level. I like Coach Olson's style of play. I have a dream to
play in the NBA.
Azgirl: Do you think Lute Olson will ever start a freshman backcourt?
Jason Gardner:
My chances are 50-50 because either one of use can step in and start. I think it will just come
down to who is playing the best in practice.
That is all the time I have for now. Thanks for sitting down and sending in all the questions. I
appreciate it.
Take care everyone. | |
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