Shane Gamradt, a two-time All-American, helped the Saints hoopsters to back-to-back NAIA playoff appearances in 2001-02. Gamradt led the nation in assists both years, while establishing the school season and career assist records.
After spending his freshman year at Montana State, he transferred to Carroll, where he served as the Saints point guard his final three seasons.
At just 5-foot-9, Gamradt became famous for his flamboyant style of play, featuring no-look, Pete Maravich-like passes; a tenacious defense that included steals under the basket against the opposing team’s post players; and an intense passion for rebounds despite his shorter stature.
And the Fairfield product could shoot a little bit, too, when he had to.
“Shane was one of the hardest competitors I ever played with,” said former teammate J.D. Solomon. “His will to win and understanding of the game led to a lot of team success. He was hard-nosed, and the type of player that you always wanted on your team, and hated to play against.”
Solomon credited Carroll’s semifinal win the conference tournament to Gamradt.
“Shane was able to break the press by dribbling the ball up the court, and when the last defender stepped up to stop him, he passed it through the defender’s legs to his teammate for the game-deciding basket,” Solomon recounted.
Gamradt’s junior year, the Saints (26-6) won the 2001 Frontier Conference championship, before being edged by Oklahoma Baptist University 62-59 at the NAIA Finals Tournament in Tulsa, Okla.
Gamradt led the nation averaging 8.21 assists per game, with a Carroll season assist record of 240. He was selected first team All-Conference, and honorable mention All-American.
As a senior, Carroll again qualified for nationals, dropping an opening round contest in Kansas City, Mo., to Science and Arts of Oklahoma, 68-61.
Gamradt again led the nation in assists, at 9.5 apg, while establishing the Saints career record of 593 assists. He also averaged about 9.7 points per game.
The Saints went 52-14 over Gamradt’s final two seasons.
“Shane was a pure point guard, in that he was a magical passer, especially in transition,” coach Gary Turcott said. “He had an amazing ability to get the ball to the right people, at the right time.
“And he was so intense; even at just 5-9 he thought he could get every rebound in the gym.”
