Cardwell faced adversity early, being ruled ineligible his senior year at McEachern High School despite joining a star-studded roster.
He played limited bench roles his first few years at Auburn, waiting behind future NBA pick Walker Kessler and Morehead State transfer Johni Broome.
Coach Bruce Pearl promised Cardwell a starting role alongside Broome for their final season together, a rare commitment for a player who hadn't started before.
Cardwell embraced his role as a defensive anchor and "glue guy," impacting games beyond the traditional stat sheet, often leading the team in plus-minus.
His return to Atlanta for the NCAA Tournament represents a significant homecoming.
Why this matters: Cardwell's story highlights the value of patience and hard work in an era dominated by the transfer portal. It shows that sticking with a program can still lead to significant roles and success, even if the path isn't immediate. His journey also underscores the changing landscape of college athletics with the influence of NIL.
Dylan Cardwell's path to SEC prominence with the Auburn Tigers is a testament to resilience. Originally from Augusta and later playing prep school ball at Oak Hill Academy, Cardwell returned to Georgia for his senior year, aiming to play for powerhouse McEachern High School alongside future teammate Sharife Cooper. However, a ruling by the Georgia High School Association declared him ineligible, forcing him to miss his entire senior season – a significant setback for any aspiring college athlete. Coach Bruce Pearl criticized the decision, but Cardwell, supported by teammates like Cooper for his positive attitude, weathered the storm.
Committing to Auburn in 2020, Cardwell faced further tests. He played sparingly as a freshman and sophomore, backing up highly-touted centers like Walker Kessler. Even when Kessler left for the NBA, Auburn brought in Johni Broome via the transfer portal, again relegating Cardwell to a bench role as a junior. In today's transfer-heavy environment, many players might have sought opportunities elsewhere. "What do most guys do? Flee, but not Dylan Cardwell,” Pearl noted.
Cardwell stayed. For his final year of eligibility, Pearl made an unprecedented promise: if Broome returned, Cardwell would start alongside him every game. Both players returned, and the duo anchored Auburn's defense, leading the SEC in blocks per game this season. While Broome remains the offensive star, Cardwell's impact is undeniable. Often leading the team in plus-minus despite modest scoring stats, he excels defensively and on the boards. Cardwell describes himself as the "glue guy," essential for team cohesion, humorously seeking a Gorilla Glue NIL deal. His journey, marked by patience and culminating in a starting role during a deep NCAA tournament run (including games in his hometown Atlanta), exemplifies an increasingly rare 'old-school' approach to college sports success.
Q: Why was Dylan Cardwell ineligible his senior year of high school?
A: The Georgia High School Association ruled him ineligible after transferring back to McEachern High School, reportedly due to issues with the transfer process, preventing him from playing that season.
Q: What is Dylan Cardwell's role on the Auburn team?
A: Cardwell is a starting center known primarily for his defense, rebounding, and energy. He describes himself as the "glue guy," focusing on doing the necessary things that contribute to winning, often reflected in his high plus-minus rating rather than scoring stats.
Q: How did Cardwell finally become a starter?
A: After three seasons primarily coming off the bench, Auburn coach Bruce Pearl promised Cardwell he would start every game his final season alongside fellow big man Johni Broome if both players returned to Auburn, an offer Cardwell accepted.
Q: What does Cardwell think about Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals?
A: Cardwell views NIL positively, stating it's been "life-changing" and beneficial, allowing players to stay in college longer to develop their game instead of rushing to the pros unprepared. He feels it's rewarding but believes it could use more regulation.
Patience and perseverance can still pay off, even when facing setbacks or waiting for opportunities.
Team success often relies on players embracing specific roles, like Cardwell's defensive focus as the "glue guy."
The landscape of college basketball is evolving with the transfer portal and NIL, but traditional paths of development within one program remain viable.
Cardwell's journey shows how handling adversity with a positive attitude can lead to growth and respect from coaches and teammates.
Dylan Cardwell's dedication highlights a different approach in modern college sports. Do you think more players will find success by sticking with one program, or is the transfer portal the dominant path forward? Let us know!
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