Jim Ard facts for kids
Ard, c. 1970
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| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 19, 1948 Seattle, Washington, U.S. |
| High school | Thornton Township (Harvey, Illinois) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) |
| Listed weight | 215 lb (98 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Cincinnati (1967–1970) |
| NBA Draft | 1970 / Round: 1 / Pick: 6th overall |
| Selected by the Seattle SuperSonics | |
| Pro career | 1970–1978 |
| Career history | |
| 1970–1973 | New York Nets |
| 1973–1974 | Memphis Tams |
| 1974–1977 | Boston Celtics |
| 1977–1978 | Chicago Bulls |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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| Career statistics | |
| Points | 1,909 (4.4 ppg) |
| Rebounds | 1,832 (4.3 rpg) |
| Assists | 278 (0.6 apg) |
Jimmie Lee Ard, born on September 19, 1948, is a former American professional basketball player. He played as a power forward and center. Ard was known for his strong rebounding and hustle on the court. He was part of the Boston Celtics team that won the NBA championship in 1976.
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Jim Ard's Early Life
Jim Ard grew up in Harvey, Illinois. He went to Thornton Township High School. In his final year, 1965–66, he was a star player. He helped lead his high school team to win the state championship. Jim was named all-state and all-tournament for his great performance.
After high school, over 100 colleges wanted Jim to play for them. He chose between the University of Wisconsin and the University of Cincinnati. Cincinnati had won national championships before, which made it an exciting choice.
College Basketball Career
Jim Ard was a tall player, standing 6 feet 8 inches. He played as a forward and center for the University of Cincinnati. He was a starting player for three years. Each of those three years, he was named to the First-team All-Missouri Valley Conference.
In his senior year (1969–70), Jim was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Missouri Valley Conference. That season, he averaged 19.2 points and 15.2 rebounds per game. He was also recognized as an Honorable Mention All-America player. Jim tied a school record by blocking 10 shots in one game. He is still ranked seventh all-time in career rebounds for Cincinnati.
In 1996, Jim Ard was honored for his achievements. He was inducted into the University of Cincinnati Athletics Hall of Fame.
Professional Basketball Journey
After college, Jim Ard was a top pick in the 1970 draft. The National Basketball Association's Seattle SuperSonics chose him sixth overall. The New York Nets from the American Basketball Association also drafted him. Jim decided to sign with the New York Nets.
Playing for the New York Nets
Jim played three seasons with the Nets, mostly as a backup player. He averaged about 14 minutes per game. In his first year (1970–71), he scored 5.8 points and grabbed 4.6 rebounds per game. The next season, his numbers were similar. In his third year (1972–73), his playing time and stats decreased slightly.
Time with the Memphis Tams
In the 1973–74 season, Jim joined the Memphis Tams in the ABA. He had a strong season there. He averaged a career-high 6.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game.
Joining the Boston Celtics
In 1974, Jim Ard signed with the Boston Celtics in the NBA. He is best known for his three years with this famous team (1974–77). He was a valuable backup player, especially for his rebounding and hard work. He often played about 13 minutes per game, supporting star player Dave Cowens.
One of Jim's most famous moments happened in the 1976 NBA Finals. This was a very close game five between the Celtics and the Phoenix Suns. The game went into triple overtime! Jim Ard made two crucial free throws that put the Celtics ahead. These free throws are remembered as very important in Celtics and NBA history. The Celtics went on to win that series, and Jim Ard earned an NBA championship ring.
Final Season with the Chicago Bulls
In the 1977–78 season, Jim played one game with the Celtics before being released. A month later, he signed with the Chicago Bulls. He played 14 games for the Bulls before his eight-year professional career ended. In total, he scored 1,909 points and had 1,832 rebounds in his career.
Life After Basketball
After his basketball career, Jim Ard worked in technical sales. He worked for several different companies over the years. He lived in various places, including the Phoenix area, California, Florida, and New Jersey.
Today, Jim Ard lives in the Eugene, Oregon area.
See also
In Spanish: Jim Ard para niños
