Top in-state 2027 guard Jason Gardner Jr. discusses Indiana basketball visit and offer

Indiana basketball unofficially kicked off their season with Hoosier Hysteria over the weekend which had multiple recruiting targets in attendance.

One of those targets that was at Hoosier Hysteria was top in-state 2027 guard Jason Garner Jr., who was actually on an Indiana basketball unofficial visit, as well.

During that visit, Mike Woodson and the Indiana basketball program extended an offer to the talented guard making him one of the very few 2027 prospects across the country with an offer from the Hoosiers.

Along with Indiana basketball, Gardner Jr. holds offers from Purdue, Notre Dame, Cincinnati, DePaul, Morehead State, and IU-Indy.

Gardner Jr. is coming off a freshman season at Fishers High School (IN) where he averaged 7.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.4 assists also while helping the Tigers to become Class 4A State Champions. He started to get his name noticed out on the AAU scene as he has started to become one on the more talked about underclassmen on the Adidas 3SSB Circuit playing for Indiana Elite 2027 this past summer.

Gardner Jr. spoke with HoosierIllustrated.com to break down what stood out with the Indiana basketball program, Mike Woodson, reaction to the visit, earning an offer, his goals this upcoming season, and much more.

Below is the full Q&A with Jason Gardner Jr.

Q. Overall, how did the Indiana basketball visit go over the weekend? Anything really standout? 

Jason Gardner Jr.: “It was good, my first time really seeing and interacting with the coaches and my first time being in the area for a couple years. But what stood out is that I think the staff is really connected and have good relationships with all the players and the environment was crazy and the gym wasn’t even fully packed so can’t imagine what its like when its full.”

Q. What was it like when Indiana basketball extended that offer to you?

Jason Gardner Jr.: “I didn’t think I was gonna get it that day so I was even more happy because it was a surprise and grateful for them believing in me because now i think thats I’m 1 of only 3 players in my class with an IU offer so definitely special.”

Q. Did you get a chance to interact with Coach Woodson any during the visit? If so, what was that like and what are some thoughts on him?

Jason Gardner Jr.: “I did a little bit. It was hard because there were other recruits there, but I got to talk to him obviously when he offered me and before the offer. To me, he seems down to earth and is always gonna keep it real with you, but it was my first time talking to him but it was good.” 

Q. As far as your recruitment, what schools have been involved right now? Do you have anymore visits set up or any you want to take soon? 

Jason Gardner Jr.: “It’s hard because they can’t contact me yet, so they will reach out to my AAU coach Kristoph Kendrick or Coach (Steve) Winegar. Not as of right now but colleges that have been in contact with my coaches, or parents have been Alabama, Florida, Dayton, Xavier, Marquette, and Arizona.”

Q. For those that have not see you play yet, how would you describe your game? 

Jason Gardner Jr.: Very athletic, using in ways of getting to the rim, getting by my defenders, and on defense. I can be any point guard you want me to be, if thats a scoring point guard I can do that, if its lockdown the other teams best guard I can do that, if you need me just to get my teammates involved and be a pass-first point guard. I can rebound well for my size, and as of right now just getting more confident in my three-point shot.”

Q. What is the team goal this season for Fishers and what is your personal goals as far improvements or accomplishments? 

Jason Gardner Jr.: Obviously team goal is State and for me is just to be a better player in every category by taking on a bigger role and to improve on is just to talk more, be confident in my 3, be a better leader, and to accomplish just pretty much everything we did last year.” 

SEE ALSO: Indiana basketball extends offer to top 2027 in-state wing Jaylan Mitchell

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