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 Wednesday, November 3
Point guard legacy at Arizona
 
 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?

 Lute Olson
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.

GARDNER'S FILE
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.

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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