The IUPUI Athletics Department and Director of Athletics Dr. Roderick Perry have announced that Head Basketball Coach Jason Gardner has signed a contract extension to keep him on the sidelines through the 2019-20 season. Gardner, an Indianapolis-native, took over the program at the conclusion of the 2013-14 season and has increased the program’s win total each subsequent season.
“I’m grateful that the university administration and Chancellor Paydar and Dr. Perry in particular, have continued to show support to myself and the basketball program. I was born and raised in Indianapolis and have some of my best memories learning and playing basketball in this city. It’s a privilege and honor to be the coach of the IUPUI program and I’m definitely excited to continue to build and sustain something special here,” Gardner said. “We’re continuing to make strides and I’m confident that we’ll continue down that road. I know we all feel a little more energy with the move to the Horizon League and I think it’s a good thing for our program and our department overall.
“Chancellor Paydar has made it clear that he expects us to win games and I’m confident we can deliver on those demands.”
Last season, Gardner’s Jaguars posted a 14-18 mark while reaching The Summit League Tournament semifinals for the first time since 2011. After inheriting a program that won just six games in both 2012-13 and 2013-14, Gardner has notched win totals of 10, 13 and 14 in his first three seasons.
“The men’s basketball program has shown signs of improvement. The team has increased its win total each year since the arrival of Coach Gardner and our RPI is on an upward trajectory,” Perry said. “Coach Gardner is a remarkable leader for his student-athletes. He is focused on their overall success as men by equipping them with tools to be successful in basketball and life beyond basketball.
“I am confident that Coach Gardner will continue to build this program to a point where we are consistently competing for Horizon League championships.”
Gardner’s program collected its first-ever NABC Team Academic Excellence Award this past year after notching a team grade point average of 3.11. Five IUPUI players were named to the NABC Honors Court, ranking atop the 10 Division I schools in the state of Indiana and tying Youngstown State for tops in the Horizon League.
In three short years, Gardner has already had six players sign to play professionally upon completion of their IUPUI careers, headlined by Marcellus Barksdale and most recently, Darell Combs and Matt O’Leary.
Gardner’s work on the recruiting trail has resulted in an uptick in talent, including landing a slew of impact transfers since his arrival. His most recent recruiting class includes a former Kentucky Mr. Basketball and two of the top preps from the Midwest.
http://www.iupuijags.com/news/2017/8/30/mens-basketball-gardner-receives-extension-through-2020.aspx
