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Ex-Cat Gardner still has NBA hopes

Citizen Staff Writer

STEVE RIVERA

srivera@tucsoncitizen.com

Former Arizona basketball standout guard Jason Gardner still dreams of making it into the NBA.

At 28, he believes he’s better equipped mentally and physically for the role of NBA point guard.

“As long as you show you can play the game and knock down shots, there’s a chance,” Gardner told the Indianapolis Star last week. “I don’t think there’s a time limit. A lot of teams need point guards, so this is a pretty good time for me to try to make it. I want to make one more run at it.”

Gardner is playing in Oldenburg, Germany. He’s been overseas since he left UA in 2003 followed by a short tryout with the Toronto Raptors and former UA interim head coach Kevin O’Neill.

“We run a lot of pick-and-roll stuff in the European leagues, and that’s not really taught in the States,” Gardner told the paper. “I’ve learned a lot. Probably the biggest thing is playing against a lot of older guys, guys with NBA experience.”

The Star wrote the story in part to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of North Central’s 1998-99 Class 4A state title team. Gardner scored 24 points in the title game.

SPORTS SOUND-OFF

Cardinals praised for outstanding season

Re: Steelers beat Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII

• To the Cardinals – Thank you for representing Arizona so well. You guys are champions in my book. While a loss may be disappointing to you, you guys played and coached your hearts out and we appreciate everything you did this season. Thank you for a great season and a great game today.

LOFI

• I’m not a football fan, but even I can admit that was a pretty intense last minute.

EMPERORJOSH

• Re: UA beats Washington State in men’s basketball

Pennell, Dunlap and Geary have done a great job coaching – real coaching. Getting the most of the young players and keeping it fun for them, too. Hopefully, the next head coach will retain some of them as assistants.

COACH HOWLESS

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