2017 USF Athletics Hall of Fame | James Hardy '78

Описание: A standout player on Dons powerful teams of the late 70’s, James Hardy played three seasons from 1975 to 1978 at USF and left as the program’s 10th all time leading scorer and it’s seventh all time leading rebounder. A native of Long Beach, Hardy was part of a heralded recruiting class which included fellow Hall of Famers Bill Cartwright and Winford Boynes. As sophomores, the trio led USF to the nations No.1 ranking in 1976-77 after the Dons reeled off 29 consecutive wins to open the season. Hardy was a second-team all WCC selection as a freshman in 1975-76 and earned team all-conference marks along with Associated Press honorable mention, All American accolades as a sophomore in 1976-77. He currently ranks as USF’s 29th all time leading scorer and is tied for ninth all-time rebounding while his career rebound average of 9.8 still ranks 8th on USF’s all-time list. Following his junior season, he was drafted by the New Orleans Jazz with the 11th over all pick and played four seasons in the NBA from 1978-82 before continuing his playing career overseas.

USF legend Bill Cartwright had this to say about James: “We won a lot of games together and climbed to No.1 in the nation – but everyone would always remember that one spectacular play James made every game that you might not see again. He was a scorer, a rebounder, shot blocker and we all wished we were as gifted as he was.”

James Hardy – Welcome back to the Hilltop –and welcome to USF’s Hall of Fame!