Full Name: Jelani Gardner
Position: Guard
Height/Weight: 6-4 / 205
Birthdate: December 26, 1975
High School: St. John Bosco HS (West Covina, CA)
College: Pepperdine
BACKGROUND
Spent the 2000-01 season with BCJ Hamburg in Germany, averaging 13.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in six games. Started 1999-00 season with Maccabi Rishon in Israel, before coming back to the states, where he played with the Fort Wayne Fury and the Grand Rapids Hoops in the CBA. He appeared in 51 total games, averaging 9.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists.

Played final two seasons of collegiate career at Pepperdine, after first two seasons at California. Sat out 1996-97 season at Pepperdine under NCAA transfer rules. Earned All-West Coast Conference honors both seasons at Pepperdine.

As a senior, averaged 13.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.6 assists. Started 31 of 32 games. Ranked fourth in the conference in assists, fourth in steals, and eighth in scoring. Scored in double figures 25 times, surpassing the 20 point mark on five occasions. Scored season-high 23 points at Portland. Pulled down career-high 13 rebounds against Texas Tech. Distributed season-high 10 assists against San Francisco in the WCC Tournament.

As a junior, averaged 15.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists. Ranked second in the WCC in assists and third in steals. Scored in double figures in 23 games, tallying 20 or more points four times. Led team in scoring in eight games. Scored career-high 26 points against Santa Clara. Grabbed season-high 11 rebounds against Cal State Fullerton. Dished out season-high 12 assists against San Diego.

As a sophomore at California, averaged 9.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists. Led team in assists. Had season highs of 25 points, six rebounds, and 11 assists.

As a freshman, averaged 10.7 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists. Led team in assists. Dished out career-high 13 assists against USC. Was named the Pac-10 Newcomer of the Year.