Ki-Wheeeee Gardner... The joy of basketball

[woundedknees]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7eEcm2_ ... ure=relmfu

Watch the ball handling and some of the dump off passes... Kid has moves most stature challenged players never dream of.

[oregontrack]

I'd take him in a heartbeat, but I have a feeling several people here would hyperventilate worrying about his size on defense.

[greenyellow]

I'd take him in a heartbeat, but I have a feeling several people here would hyperventilate worrying about his size on defense.

Most people don't want a repeat of TaJuan Porter on defense.

[woundedknees]

I'd take him in a heartbeat, but I have a feeling several people here would hyperventilate worrying about his size on defense.

Gardner is not Tajuan Porter... He definitely has the long arms and hops to guard somewhat taller players.

I have a feeling he will be successful, wherever he ends up.

ESPN had this to say:

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketb ... wi-gardner

Gardner may be the quickest and fastest point guard in the west. He plays at a freakishly fast pace and is extremely athletic. Despite his small stature, he can finish against most bigs while hanging in the air and drawing contact. He is a lock-down defender with very quick hands and has the potential to change the complexion of the game due to his defense.

Bottom Line:
Gardner doesn't possess ideal size for the 1 and the decisions that he makes on the court can leave you shaking your head, but there is no question he has physical ability. His pace with the ball is awe-inspiring and he makes plays at both ends that change the momentum of a game.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpHKECqxEo8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3d2NvNOeHM4

[oregontrack]

Agreed. Porter wasn't a poor defender because he was 5'6, he was a poor defender because he was bad at playing defense.

[woundedknees]

There have been several under-size PGs (Maybe not 5'6-8ish) in Oregon's history who performed admirably on both ends of the floor (5'10-ish Kenya Wilkins and 5'8" Bobby Anet come to mind, and Mike Drummond of the Kamikaze Kids seemed diminutive, in hindsight, but had a reputation for tenacity on both ends of the floor.), and UW had Nate Robinson, who seemed to get the job done.

That said, TP was never what I would consider a lock down defender, and he continued a trend of mis-utilized players by the Oregon basketball program. I believe he could have been incredibly effective as a spot shooter, and a decent emergency back-up at PG, but no way should he have been the go to guy in crunch time.

[uostudent]

Obviously it's a "highlight" video, but this kid looks awesome. His playing style is reminiscent of Allen Iverson. Great athlete, doesn't shy away from contact, and has tremendous ball handling skills.

[greenyellow]

There have been several under-size PGs (Maybe not 5'6-8ish) in Oregon's history who performed admirably on both ends of the floor (5'10-ish Kenya Wilkins and 5'8" Bobby Anet come to mind, and Mike Drummond of the Kamikaze Kids seemed diminutive, in hindsight, but had a reputation for tenacity on both ends of the floor.), and UW had Nate Robinson, who seemed to get the job done.

That said, TP was never what I would consider a lock down defender, and he continued a trend of mis-utilized players by the Oregon basketball program. I believe he could have been incredibly effective as a spot shooter, and a decent emergency back-up at PG, but no way should he have been the go to guy in crunch time.

TP playing the role of the go-to-guy was Kent's fault. He never brought in another couple scorers, especially another perimeter one, to take the pressure off Porter. Also he didn't bring in another PG to spell Porter enough.

[Boom]

I think UW's Isiah Thomas would be another good comparison.

He definitely looks athletic enough to play D in our zone.

His jump shot looks a lil suspect... looks like he brings the ball up across his body and pushes it out from his chin... and his release isn't really that quick for a little guy.... guessing he's streaky there.

I would take him though... his penetrating/dishing skills are pretty hard to come by... and if he can consistently hit that running floater(something Porter could never do) then he would be a big threat when taking it to the hoop.


just realized he's in the 2011 class.... I doubt we bring in another guard.

[Boom]

There have been several under-size PGs (Maybe not 5'6-8ish) in Oregon's history who performed admirably on both ends of the floor (5'10-ish Kenya Wilkins and 5'8" Bobby Anet come to mind, and Mike Drummond of the Kamikaze Kids seemed diminutive, in hindsight, but had a reputation for tenacity on both ends of the floor.), and UW had Nate Robinson, who seemed to get the job done.

That said, TP was never what I would consider a lock down defender, and he continued a trend of mis-utilized players by the Oregon basketball program. I believe he could have been incredibly effective as a spot shooter, and a decent emergency back-up at PG, but no way should he have been the go to guy in crunch time.

TP playing the role of the go-to-guy was Kent's fault. He never brought in another couple scorers, especially another perimeter one, to take the pressure off Porter. Also he didn't bring in another PG to spell Porter enough.

Porter was an elite spot up shooter.... but he pretty much sucked at everything else though.... much of that is due to his size and marginal athleticism.

[oregontrack]

Tajuan Porter's career was really weird. He was this revelation as freshman, one of the best '5th options' in the country. Then he really fell off the next year, even though he had four good offensive options with him on the court at all times. His numbers actually improved the next year when we were terrible (8-23), then when he got a little help as a senior (Armstead, Dunigan wasn't horrible...) his numbers fell again. He was a tough nut to crack.

[woundedknees]

Gardner is supposed to be re-classifying to the class of '12 (Probably attending Prep School), so the fact he is a guard is probably not an issue.

I believe Kiwi is currently enrolled at Westwind Prep International, in Phoenix, Arizona.

[Boom]

Tajuan Porter's career was really weird. He was this revelation as freshman, one of the best '5th options' in the country. Then he really fell off the next year, even though he had four good offensive options with him on the court at all times. His numbers actually improved the next year when we were terrible (8-23), then when he got a little help as a senior (Armstead, Dunigan wasn't horrible...) his numbers fell again. He was a tough nut to crack.

I think one of the biggest problems with that team was that no one (except Porter) had an aggressive scoring mentality.

Bryce Taylor & Malik Hairston had every tool in the book.... but would disappear in games. That team was dependent on Brooks to create open shots for them and they didn't adjust/step up when he graduated.

[Boom]

Gardner is supposed to be re-classifying to the class of '12 (Probably attending Prep School), so the fact he is a guard is probably not an issue.

I believe Kiwi is currently enrolled at Westwind Prep International, in Phoenix, Arizona.

That would help... is there any actual word that he's hearing from us?

[oregontrack]

Tajuan Porter's career was really weird. He was this revelation as freshman, one of the best '5th options' in the country. Then he really fell off the next year, even though he had four good offensive options with him on the court at all times. His numbers actually improved the next year when we were terrible (8-23), then when he got a little help as a senior (Armstead, Dunigan wasn't horrible...) his numbers fell again. He was a tough nut to crack.

I think one of the biggest problems with that team was that no one (except Porter) had an aggressive scoring mentality.

Bryce Taylor & Malik Hairston had every tool in the book.... but would disappear in games. That team was dependent on Brooks to create open shots for them and they didn't adjust/step up when he graduated.

I would disagree, but it hardly matters in this thread.