Combine Stats: 12.7 Pts 7.7 Reb 0.7 Ast 0.3 Stl 0.3 Blk

Was excited to see Gardner III get after it after seeing some of his explosiveness at the Seattle Hoop Summit. Didn’t get to see any dunks from the bouncy Willamette guard but he was definitely one of the most active and paint-focused players on the day. Led the field with a combine-high 15 rebounds in his final game, paring that with 20 points on 9-of-13 FG to notch the second double-double of the day. He was just a highly active guard who kept barreling into the paint, and his 8 FTA were second to only Victor Norris III Victor Norris III 6'4" | CG/PG Parkrose | 2029 State OR (10 FTA). He’s a spectacular athlete with a bulldog mentality who racked up countless second chance points for his team.

Superior talents and gifts. He was one of the most athletic players in the entire event; not sure if you’ll find 5-10 better athletic college prospects than him in the entire event. He was also one of the top scorers for the Wolverines in the event, using his athleticism, speed, and strength to complement his aggressive style on the basketball court. A good defensive shot-blocking guard with good lateral footwork and base. As his range and outside shot continue to rise, so will his Global success in playing basketball anywhere continue to grow. His elite performances caught the attention of regional scouting coordinators, who selected him for an “INVITE ONLY” invitation to “Light the Game” combine held Oct.24th in Portland, OR. He earned the nickname “NBA Jams” for a reason.

Yet another move up from the watchlist is Gardner, whose rise is nowhere near finished. He’s an athletic freak who can not only leap and play above the rim but his clear work in the weight room also makes him a difficult player to contend with physically. After the rankings were released he turned heads and dropped jaws with his play at the Spotlight Invitational and an event in Seattle and with continued growth with his perimeter skills and shooting, the sky may be the limit for the Willamette junior.

#314 – A guard who will create posters and highlight reels this season with his SUPERIOR ATHLETICISM & strength. A player who is capable of producing a “Double-Double” (Points & Rebounds) in 10+ games, with OUTSTANDING shot-blocking talents from the guard spot. Moves without the basketball to locate scoring opportunities, has passing vision, can create, really quick reaction to plays on the court. Can nearly go the full court using 3-4 dribbles to get to the rim. Will spark college interest from many schools this season. Full-court pressing ability, uptempo player. Shooting a high percentage from 3-point land (* min. 2-3 made per game) over the next 12 months will put him into “All-American” conversations going into his senior year. Draws fouls on athletic offensive rebounds.

The lone participant from outside of the Pacific Northwest, Gardner was solid on Sunday. The 6-foot combo guard showcased himself as a nice all-around player, able to get to the basket and finish as well as capably hit open jumpers. He was particularly good in transition and getting buckets over bigger defenders. (JT)