Butch Gardner has been associated with Harding for more than 30 years and is who many consider the most accomplished player in Harding men’s basketball history. From 1973-1977, he played small forward and racked up the most impressive career stats Harding basketball has ever seen. To this day, he still ranks No. 1 in points scored (2,255) and rebounds (983). According to Gardner, he takes more pride in his rebounds than points scored.
“That’s the statistic I am most proud of because it’s more of a blue-collar kind of statistic,” Gardner said. “You got to get in there and bang around with people. It’s more about desire and want-to than skill.”
Gardner is not the only player Harding basketball has taken pride in lately. The Bisons finished their season this year as one of the most accomplished teams in Harding history. They boasted a 22-10 overall record and a win in the NCAA Division II National Basketball Tournament.
“They were one of the better teams I have seen,” Gardner said.
According to Gardner, the reason this team had so much success this season was because they played so well together and truly understood the concept of team.
“The chemistry was so good,” Gardner said. “We have had teams that have had as much or more physical ability, but (this team) played so well together. They were very unselfish and that takes you a long way; it was fun to watch.”
Gardner said it was very special for him to watch the success the team had this year because of how passionate he is about Harding basketball. He said he has an appreciation for the game today, even though he believes it has gone through a lot of changes since his playing days.
“The game is drastically different,” Gardner said. “The game is faster. I would have loved to play in today’s era. It’s a lot more fun basketball to play.”
There are some things, however, that have not changed.
One thing that Gardner said has stayed the same through the decades is the passion of the Rhodes Rowdies, Harding’s fan base. Gardner said they are just as strong and passionate today as when he played in the 70s. According to Gardner, the fans are one of the best aspects of Harding basketball.
“Guys love to play in front of the Rhodes Rowdies,” Gardner said. “It’s difficult to explain to a person who hasn’t played in front of a loud, boisterous crowd like that, and what it does to lift you up and help you perform beyond what you think you are capable of.”
There is a span of four decades in between today’s games and the games Gardner dominated in his time as a player. Some things have changed drastically; some things never will. But something that Harding coaches, players and fans look forward to in the future is to continue the tradition of excellence that Harding greats like Gardner started years ago that can still be felt today in the Rhodes Field House.
