Kiwi Gardner embodies "heart over height"

The Illawarra Hawks’ Kiwi Gardner is a sensational player to watch.

He rose to fame on the internet in 2011 through a viral mixtape that now has close to two million views on YouTube. But it’s not the fame, or scoring that Gardner loves most, he plays basketball for the love of the game. 

“My little brother helped me fall in love with the game, he played a little bit before me but for long as I can remember I’ve always had a competitive drive and a love for the game,” he said on the Coles Express NBL1 Show. 

“I just think that the game of basketball really translates to the game of life. The way I approach the game is kinda the way I approach my life, I love life and I love playing basketball.” 

Gardner has played all over the world, he’s played for his home state team the Golden State Warriors G-League (then D-League) affiliate the Santa Cruz Warriors, he's played in Mexico, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and now in Wollongong for the Hawks

Gardner has been on a scoring tear this NBL1 season, he's averaging 31 points per game as the 5’7 guard has helped the Hawks get to the third seed of the NBL1 East ladder. Gardner had a spectator game over the weekend, getting the Hawks a win in Round 16 with a 47-point performance. 

But Gardner says people have always noticed his game. He said even his maths teacher even noticed how fun it is to watch him play. 

“She came to one of my games and she told me ‘I don’t know anything about basketball but it was like watching a ballet or something.' From that perspective, she taught me that you don’t have to be a fan of basketball to enjoy watching people play. 

“I always took pride in that, it’s human nature to watch the small guy go against the bigger guys.” 

Co-host Peter Hooley described Garnder’s career as “Heart over height”, as the 5’7 guard has overcome a lot of criticism and doubt to make it this far in his career.

“I don’t think front office guys or coaches are wrong for thinking that way,” Gardner said. 

“But if you look at what’s going on you can figure out I can be productive on the team.”

To see the full interview watch the Coles Express NBL1 Show on YouTube, Facebook and Kayo.