Jim Ard

Jimmie Lee Ard (born September 19, 1948) was a 6'8" forward/center who prepped at Thornton Township High School in Harvey, Illinois, earning all-state and all-tournament honors in 1965–66 while leading Thornton to the state championship. He chose the University of Cincinnati over more than 100 scholarship offers and became a three-year starter for the Bearcats, earning first-team All-Missouri Valley Conference recognition in each of those seasons. As a senior in 1969–70, Ard averaged 19.2 points and 15.2 rebounds per game, was named MVC MVP, and received Honorable Mention All-America recognition from both the Associated Press and United Press International. He ranks seventh all-time in career rebounds at Cincinnati.