Gardner Has 4 On List

Thomas Gardner, a 6-4 swingman from Jefferson H.S. in Portland, Oregon, told us he has three top schools but is also looking at a new school in his process -- Virginia.

"I have already visited Connecticut," Gardner. "I am going to take a visit to Missouri on September 6th. I also want to visit Kansas but I haven't set that one visit up yet."

Gardner told us that Virginia has been calling recently. "I am interested," Gardner said. "I just have to talk to them more and learn more about them."

Gardner previously told the Insiders Report/Rivalshoops.com that he has cut his options to Michigan State, Connecticut, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. But Michigan State and Oklahoma are out.

Gardner took his first official visit to Connecticut in early June, and came away impressed with the perennial Big East power.

"It was great," Gardner told Russ Blake. "I love the coaching staff and the players made me feel welcome. It was a family environment, and that's one of the things I am looking for in a school. If I had a leader, UConn would be right there, since it's the only visit that I've taken, and right now, they are looking real good to me."

In addition to a family environment, Gardner also said he is looking at other key factors, including a chance to play right away and being part of a program that has a chance to make the Final Four.

A sturdily built shooter with good athleticism, Gardner is a devastating marksman who can't be left to roam on the perimeter. And even when he is covered, he pops off screens effectively to free himself up and knock down shots.

-- Russ Blake contributed to this story.