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Jason Gardner Jr.

Jason Gardner Jr.

CGFishersClass of 2027
Received offer from UCLA(Jan 25, 2026)
Status

Uncommitted

6-1
185 lbs
Fishers, INFishers High School
94 Rating
#30|247Sports#56|ESPN#40|On3#4|State (247)#13|Position (247)

Rankings sourced from 247Sports, ESPN, On3, and Rivals. Learn how we aggregate data →

Last checked Apr 15, 2026from 6 sourcesHow we verify →

Scout Report

When you find a sophomore combo guard who already has 17 Division I offers and counting, you stop what you're doing and pay attention. Jason Gardner Jr. has been turning heads across the Midwest with his combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ that coaches dream about at the combo guard spot.

Background

Gardner Jr. hails from Fishers, Indiana, a basketball hotbed that has produced its share of college talent over the years. The 6-1 guard has been with Fishers High School throughout his prep career, developing his craft in one of Indiana's most competitive basketball environments. Playing alongside fellow 2027 prospect Cooper Zachary gives Gardner Jr. a legitimate running mate in the backcourt, creating a dynamic duo that should keep Fishers in the conversation for state title contention. The Indiana basketball culture runs deep in his development, and it shows in his fundamental approach to the game.

Playing Style

Gardner Jr. plays the game with a maturity that belies his class year, operating with excellent pace and rarely forcing bad shots or risky passes. His 6-1 frame allows him to see over smaller guards while maintaining the quickness to stay with speedy point guards on the defensive end. He thrives in the pick-and-roll as both a scorer and facilitator, making quick reads based on how defenses react to his penetration. What separates him from other combo guards is his ability to control tempo without being ball-dominant, finding ways to impact winning even when the offense runs through other players. Defensively, he uses his length well to disrupt passing lanes and has the lateral quickness to stay attached to his man through screens. His basketball IQ shows up most in transition, where he makes smart decisions about when to push the pace and when to pull it back and set up the offense.

Strengths

Gardner Jr.'s shooting stroke is his calling card, with smooth mechanics and range that extends well beyond the college three-point line. His release is quick and consistent, making him dangerous both spotting up and coming off screens. The combination of size and skill allows him to play either guard position effectively, giving coaches flexibility in their lineups. His court vision is advanced for his age, regularly finding open teammates with passes that show he's thinking one or two moves ahead of the defense.

Areas to Watch

Adding more muscle to his frame will help him finish through contact at the rim and hold up against physical defenders at the college level. His handle is solid but could use refinement when facing elite pressure defense, particularly his ability to change speeds and directions with the ball. Becoming more aggressive looking for his own shot at times would help balance his unselfish nature.

Player Comparison

His game reminds me of a young Jalen Brunson with the way he controls pace and makes winning plays without needing to dominate the ball. Like Brunson, Gardner Jr. has that rare combination of shooting ability and basketball IQ that allows him to excel alongside other talented players. The size and skill set are similar, though Gardner Jr. needs to develop that same bulldog mentality Brunson showed at Villanova.

Recruitment

With 17 offers already in hand, Gardner Jr. is clearly a priority for high-major programs across the country. The mix of blue bloods like UCLA and Auburn alongside strong regional programs like Indiana and Cincinnati suggests he'll have his pick of situations. Being a 2027 prospect gives him plenty of time to evaluate options, but don't be surprised if the Indiana native gives serious consideration to staying home with the Hoosiers. His recruitment should only heat up as he continues developing through his sophomore and junior seasons.

Projection

Gardner Jr. projects as a multi-year starter at the high-major level with the ceiling of a late-round NBA draft pick if everything clicks. His combination of size, shooting, and IQ gives him the profile of a player who could thrive in college basketball's current style of play. The floor is high because his shooting and basketball intelligence translate to any level, making him the type of player who contributes to winning teams regardless of his role.

Updated Apr 22, 2026 · Analysis by PrepRadar Scouting Team

Career Journey

Fishers

PREP SCHOOL

Current

Indy Heat

AAU

Current

Career Highlights

4-star 2027 recruit Jason Gardner Jr. receiving interest from top programs

Kentucky, Indiana, Purdue, North Carolina, Florida, Iowa, Texas Tech, Auburn, Ohio State, UCLA, Notre Dame, Stanford

Jason Gardner scores 20 points in Fishers' victory over HSE

Fishers star guard receives scholarship offer while out with injury

go bruins??🐻 #unofficial #notcommitted #UCLA #Bruins

UCLA

Blessed to receive an offer from UCLA💛💙! Go Bruins! AGTG🙏🏾

UCLA

Fishers junior guard Jason Gardner Jr. will miss time due to injury

Jason Gardner 20 pts, 5 rebs in Fishers 68-61 win over HSE

2025 Sneakers From Santa Shootout - Top Performers, Part Two

2025-2026 Preseason 1st Team All State selection

Named to Prep Hoops Indiana Class 4A All-State Team

Offers

17
UCLAUCLA
AuburnAuburn
ArizonaArizona
CincinnatiCincinnati
FloridaFlorida

Offers sourced from 247Sports and social media monitoring.

Social Activity

2025- 2026 Preseason 1st Team All State 🏀🔥🚨👇 @certified_hill3 @PHSBBBall @Noah_smith0 @QuakerSports @DikembeShaw @CPHSSports @Jasongardnerjr @FHSTigers @ErtelLuke @mvmarauders https://t.co/f0xbP8L1xL

Feb 4, 2026
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Game week 1. Tonight - 9/JV Vs. Brebeuf Tuesday - 9/JV/V @ #10 Ben Davis Friday 9/JV/V @ Tech https://t.co/5OOy4syeSI

Feb 4, 2026
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Prep Hoops Indiana Class 4A All-State Teams @ErtelLuke @Jasongardnerjr @JahariLMiller @DikembeShaw @Noah_smith0 @JustinCurry2026 @certified_hill3 @BrennanJMill23 @BaronWalker_ @cooper_zachary0 @drew_haffner_0 @JashawnnLadd ⬇️1st, 2nd, 3rd, HM⬇️ https://t.co/cS2EWxMBth

Feb 4, 2026
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Fishers defeats Ben Davis 65-57 behind 23 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block from @Jasongardnerjr @KaiMcgrew25 followed with 19 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 Blocks @cooper_zachary0 finished with 11 points and 5 assists @FishersHoops @ZipsMBB commit @JashawnnLadd led all

Feb 4, 2026
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@FishersHoops @BoysArsenal Fishers defeats Arsenal Tech 72-48 behind 23 points, 2 rebounds, 3 rebounds, and 4 steals. Jason Gardner Jr 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists Kai McGrew 14 points and 5 rebounds Arsenal Tech was led by Salmone Mitchell with 16 points (five 3’s) Elexander Harris followed with

Feb 4, 2026
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