Jim Ard

Jimmie Lee Ard (born September 19, 1948) is an American former professional basketball player.

Early life Jim Ard was the son of James and Aline Ard. Jim attended Thornton Township High School in Harvey, Illinois. In his senior season of 1965–66, he was all-state and all-tournament in leading Thornton to the state title.

He was heavily recruited and offered scholarships by over 100 schools. He narrowed his choices down to the University of Wisconsin and the University of Cincinnati,

College career A 6'8" forward/center, Ard attended Cincinnati and was a three-year starter for the Bearcats and was named first-team All-Missouri Valley Conference all three seasons. Ard was MVC MVP his senior season of 1969–70 when he averaged 19.2 points and 15.2 rebounds per game, and he was named Honorable Mention All-America by both the Associated Press and United Press International. He tied the school record for most blocked shots in one game (10), which he shares with Kenyon Martin, UC teammate Rick Roberson, and Eric Hicks. He still ranks seventh all-time in career rebounds.

In 1996, he was inducted into the University of Cincinnati Athletics Hall of Fame. as well as by the New York Nets of the American Basketball Association. He signed with the Nets.

His three seasons with the Nets he served primarily as a backup forward/center, averaging about 14 minutes per game over those three seasons. In his rookie year of 1970–71, he averaged 5.8 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, followed in 1971–72 with 5.6 points and 5.2 rebounds. In 1972–73, his numbers slipped to 3.3 points and 3.5 rebounds.

Ard sank the go-ahead free throws in game five of the 1976 NBA Finals, a triple-overtime affair between the Celtics and the Phoenix Suns. These free throws have been described as "the two most historic free throws in both Celtics and NBA history." The Celtics went on to win that series for the 1976 NBA championship and a ring for Jim Ard.

In 1977–78, after one game with the Celtics, he was waived by the Celtics and, one month later, signed with the Chicago Bulls. After 14 games with the Bulls he was released, and his eight-year professional career came to an end. In his career, he totaled 1,909 points and 1,832 rebounds.

He currently resides in the Eugene, Oregon area.