0 40- 11 Page 14-Thursday, January 7, 1982-The Michigan Daily The Michigan Daily-Thursda The leader Captain Garner sets hustling example II . _ _ . , . ,. By RON PQLLACK There are players that score more points than Michigan forward' Thad Garner. There are also performers who jump higher, run faster, and possess more breathtaking moves than the Wolverines' senior. But it is difficult to find a college basketball player who better fills the role of a leader. As a junior last season, the 6-7 cager was co-captain along with Paul Heur- man on a team that started four seniors. This year, Garner is the squad's only captain and senior. GARNER'S LEADERSHIP capabilities, however, extend beyond the basketball court, as is illustrated by the career he plans to pursue when his playing days come to an end. "I hope to be a warden some day," said Garner. "People think I'm crazy. But people in prison are just that, 'people. I'd like to make their adjust- ment to when they leave jail easier." Garner's career ambition does not seem so crazy when his background is examined. He comes from a family of law enforcement. His father is a private detective, his brother a state trooper 18-81 CO-CAPTAIN Thad Gagner (far left) confers with coach Bill Frieder, and teammates Mike McGee (center) and Johnny Johnson during a break in game action last year. McGee and Johnson are now gone, along with two other graduated starters, leaving Gar- ner as the sole player left from last year's starting lineup. As this picture may indicate, however, Garner is well- prepared to continue in his leadership role this season. and his sister is a deputy sheriff. GARNER OFFERS ANOTHER ex- planation for his choice of profession. "I try to picture myself five to six years from now behind a desk with a nice suit on," he said. "But I'd also need , something out of the ordinary that's not routine. It's like on the court where there's something different every day. "After getting floor burns every day and diving for balls, I don't think I could . ever handle just a desk job. I need some excitement." During his three years at Michigan, Garner has provided plenty of ex- citement for Wolverine fans with his hustling, no-holds-barred style of play. And it is with this play, more. than anything else, that he leads the Michigan cagers. "AS CAPTAIN I don't talk too much," he said. "I lead by example, by diving for balls and getting floor burns. But if I were on a team where I had to grab players and shake them, I would. But with our team I don't have to." Apparently Garner's example has in fact rubbed off on the rest of the squad. "Thad's a great leader," said Wolverine head coach Bill Frieder. "He plays the game like you like to see it played-with intensity. The way he plays has got to carry over to the others., "I think you'll always see five players on the floor diving for balls," said Gar- ner. "I think it's bad that we're so inex- perienced. But it's good that we're so aggressive. Whatever five players are out there had better be diving for balls because somebody will be there to take their spot." GARNER HAS ALWAYS been a ball hawking, defensive stalwart!This year, however, the Gary, Indiana native must provide leadership at the offen- sive end of the floor as never before. This new scoring burden now falls on Garner because of the loss of Mike McGee, Johnny Johnson, Mark and Marty Bodnar and Heuerman from last year's squad. With these players went most of the Wolverines' offense from last year.. But the responsibility of lighting up the scoreboard more frequently than in his previous seasons does not worry Garner."It is added pressure," he said. "In the past three years, I've subdued my game to complement our great scorers. "People don't realize that it takes more than scorers to win a game. I took on other roles to help the team. I've had a lot on the offensive end that I've kept inside that I'm looking forward to showing people this year." FRIEDER ALSO HOPES that Gar- ner will show more offense, even if the senior Wolverine doesn't change his of- fensive style. "Thad's always scored by hustling," said the second-year coach. "That's the way he's always scored and always will score. . . I hope he'll score a few more baskets." In the past, Garner has been known for his hustling, aggressive style of play. This year, Michigan's success or failure will be greatly influenced by his ability to fill the role of a scorer. But neither of these descriptions charac- terize Garner as well as his own ex- planation of what his role in life is: "My whole career deals with helping people." D con rrr Wzli @©E ZUF @ o©©E 3 OO ffff H959~ prices on all new course books. prices on, good-condition used course books. Located in the 2nd floor ballroom of the Michigan Union. I all school supqu lt ar and photograp materials, calculators, classical recoi daor Q acceso ~f@c$ @~i Ballroom book display & main store open 7days a w AW IlL Giant T.V. Screenfor sporting Events Brekfa st Served Anytime Free Hash Browns With Any Eggs or Omelettes Cocktails, and win.gUWt . See All the Monday Night ' /qkfootball Games E ALSO PITCHER NIGHT $1 Ofon Pitcher Beer Mon., Tues. & Wed. 0ACCHUS'GARDS spec 338 S. State Stree , 10O.Mu, For fast plk-wp'ort1*ms all: 663,4636 _ WINTER FUN at Campus Bike & Toy "Smurf" ~ ' _0 ( *1 Large Selection of Great Games and Hobby Equipment. Relax with the Adventure and Simulation Games on the Sec- od Floor. .The Friendly Students Store" 142O St. S"2 & Fri. 9:39-7;9 C MpUS BIke :& oy: .-lr-"9.1 \\ _, r- L4 l : 4-.'. 4 - ,p . *.,~a. .~.4 2 2 22 22 22 22 22 - 2~.22. '~- ..~ ,U:~~n