Josiah Gardiner '20 Recruiting Profile

I started playing basketball when I was 7 after my parents introduced me to the sport. My dad played basketball at Abilene Christian University (ACU) and mother played volleyball and at ACU as well. As far back as I can remember  we would watch March Madness and whomever won the championship was the college I wanted to attend and play for.

I always knew I could get into college but going to college and playing basketball was a different matter. My dad and I took it upon ourselves to train and get better and I've come to enjoy the process of getting better. I enjoy the team aspect of basketball and  challenging each other to improve and work harder. I have good ball handling skills, can post up, and pass well, whatever is needed to win. I am able to score at all three levels with mid-range shooting and 3 point shooting as my specialty. I also have a strong drive to the basket and have added both one and two foot in-game dunks.

This summer I decided to focus on stronger and get more athletic and was in the gym and weight room training all summer. I also attended prospect camps at different universities throughout the US to benefit from college level instruction and training. This proved to be a good decision as I have entered my senior year stronger, faster, more athletic, and comfortable in my 6'6" frame. I have pushed myself not just to improve in basketball but also in academics, this past year I had a 3.6 GPA and in July scored a 30 on my ACT.

I want to attend a college where I can continue to pursue my academic and athletic goals. I am open to all possibilities but with the hope that I can compete at the highest level of competition possible; hence my focus on strength building and improving my athleticism. Any coach following me will see my hard work manifest. I want to be the next person in my family to compete at the college level as well as be a great teammate.