Steve Bardo

Stephen Dean Bardo (born April 5, 1968) is an American former professional basketball player who played three seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is currently a college basketball analyst.

Basketball career During his standout career at the University of Illinois, 6'5" Bardo scored 909 points and compiled 495 assists. He was part of the Flyin' Illini team that qualified for the 1989 NCAA men's basketball tournament Final Four. That Fighting Illini team gained the moniker "Flyin' Illini" by Dick Vitale while broadcasting a game during the 1988–89 season. Bardo was named Big Ten defensive player of the year in 1989. Along with Bardo, the other starting members of that team included Nick Anderson, Kendall Gill, Lowell Hamilton, Kenny Battle, and key reserve Marcus Liberty.

Bardo was selected in the 1990 NBA draft by the Atlanta Hawks, but never played for the team, playing one game (one minute) with the San Antonio Spurs during the 1991–92 NBA season. He also appeared for the Dallas Mavericks and Detroit Pistons, amassing 32 more regular season games, and leaving the National Basketball Association with per-game averages of 2 points, 2 rebounds and one assist.

Bardo also played in France, Italy, Japan, Spain, Venezuela overseas as well as the Continental Basketball Association (CBA). He was selected as CBA Defensive Player in 1993 and 1994. Bardo was named to the All-CBA First Team in 1993, All-CBA Second Team in 1992 and 1994, and All-Defensive Team in 1992, 1993 and 1994. He enjoyed a 10-year professional playing career. and Big Ten Network. He has also participated on ESPN First Take. Additionally, he works as a motivational speaker, and authored the book How To Make The League Without Picking Up The Rock.