Mathias Ward Class: Senior Hometown: Gig Harbor, Wash. High School: Gig Harbor Height / Weight: 6-7 / 228 Position: Forward Birthdate: 06/13/1990 Experience: 3V

Montana: Mathias is one of three returning starters from the Grizzlies' Big Sky Conference champion and NCAA team of a year ago.

2011-12: He had an outstanding season, starting in 30 games and playing in all 32 contests. He was the Grizzlies' third leading scorer, averaging 10.9 points a game, which ranked him 17th in the Big Sky Conference. He was a very efficient shooter, and was ranked fifth in the league in field goal percentage (53.85) and eighth in free throw percentage. He scored in double figures in 16 games.

He averaged 21.0 points and 7.5 rebounds in Montana's wins over Eastern Washington and Weber State in the Big Sky's post-season tournament. He scored 23 points in the title game against the Wildcats and was named to the all-tournament team.

He was also the co-recipient of UM's Allan Nielsen Award, given annually to the player who "best represents Grizzly basketball." He shared the award with senior forward Derek Selvig.

2010-11: He played in all 32 games and was the team's sixth leading scorer. He shot 51.4% from the field and 81.0% from the line. He was instrumental in an 85-84 road win at Portland State when he matched his career-high with 14 points.

2009-10: He played in 30 games and started in one (at Colorado State)...Montana's eighth leading rebounder (1.5 pg) and ninth leading scorer (2.9 ppg) last season...shot 54.8% from the field and 69.2% from the line, averaging 8.3 minutes a game.

High School: As a senior he averaged 23.5 points and 10.1 rebounds a game at Gig Harbor High School...shot 52% from the field and 71% from the line his senior year...set 23 school records, nine career marks, eight single-game records, and six single-season standards...a four-year starter...set a single-game record with 56 points and 21 rebounds in a game against Central Kitsap as a senior...senior campaign he set school standards with 610 points and 23.5 scoring average...had career marks of 1,532 points, 806 rebounds, and 102 games..MVP of Washington's WIBCA 4A All-Star Game in 2008...Tacoma News All-Area selection...prep coach was Lyle McIntosh.

Personal: His major is business. Birth date: June 13, 1990. His parents are Brian and Stephanie Ward of Gig Harbor. A four-time Honor Roll student in high school.

Ward's Career Highs

Points: 28 vs. E. Washington, 12/30/11

Rebounds: 12 at Weber State, 1/14/12

Field goals: 10 vs. Weber State, 3/7/12

Field goal attempts: 16 vs. Weber State, 3/7/12

3-point field goals: 2 vs. Weber State, 3/7/12

3-point field goal attempts: 2 vs. Weber State, 3/7/12 & 2 at E. Washington, 1/26/12

Free throws: 12 vs. E. Washington, 3/6/12

Free throw attempts: 13 vs. E. Washington, 12/30/11

Assists: 3 vs. Northern Arizona, 2/23/12

Turnovers: 3 in Two Games

Blocks: 2 vs. Idaho, 11/17/11

Steals: 2 in Two Games

Minutes played: 39 vs. Weber State, 3/7/12

A PERSONAL LOOK AT MATHIAS:

Favorite Food: Mexican.

Favorite class: Into to Theater Online.

Favorite book: The Bible.

Favorite TV show: The Office.

Favorite musical group: Boyz II Men.

Favorite movie: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.

If a movie were made of my life, I would like the following actor to play me: Idris Elba.

The person in history I would most like to meet is: Jesus Christ.

Favorite sport other than basketball: Curling.

Favorite sports figure: Wayne Gretzky.

Favorite NBA team: Seattle Supersonics, RIP.

Hobbies/Special Interests: Frisbee golf, Theme Parks, Curling, Netflix.

Not many people know this, but I: was world-ranked in tennis (64th).

My greatest moment in sports was: Winning the Big Sky Conference (twice).

If I were not playing college hoops, I would be: Bored.

The best player I ever faced was: Shawn Stockton.

The thing I like best about Montana basketball is: Teammates.

The thing that impresses me about Coach Tinkle: His ability to coach all positions.

My advice to youngsters is: Reach for the stars, because if you call short, you'll land on the clouds.

My future goals are: To be a great father and husband.

Year: G-S--Min.-Avg.--FG-FGA-Pct.--3PTers--FT-FTA-Pct.--O-D-Total-Avg.--PF-FO--A--TO--Blk--Stl.--PTS=Avg.

2009-10: 30-1--249-8.3--34-62-.548--0-0-.000--18-26-.692--15-31-46=1.5--34-0--6--19 1--7--86=2.9

2010-11: 32-0--369-11.5--54-105-.514--1-2-.500--34-42.810--21-35-56=1.8--47-0--6--22--7--4--143=4.5

2011-12: 32-30--837-26.2--129-240-.538--10-19-.526--80-102-.784--49-77-126=3.9--91-2--19--29--12--10--348=10.9

TOTAL: 94-31--1455-15.5--217-406-.534--11-21-.524--132-170-.776--85-143-228=2.4--172-2--31--70--20--21--577-6.1