Ben Gardner is in his first season as a graduate assistant coach with the Elmhurst men's basketball team. Gardner joins the Bluejays after a stellar playing career at Hope College. A four-year starter, Gardner was named to the all-conference squad for three consecutive seasons and was named the MIAA's Co-Defensive Player of the Year in 2016. Named an all-region selection as a senior, Gardner closed out his career ranked as the 17th highest scorer in Hope history with 1,295 points. He also ranked fourth in school history in free throws made and seventh in both assists and steals. He was recognized as finalist for the Josten's Trophy, named a CoSIDA Academic All-American and was selected to the National Association of Basketball Coaches' Good Works Team.