Dylan Cardwell returns: ‘I stuck it out because I love Auburn’
AUBURN, Ala. – Dylan Cardwell found clarity on the beach with his flip flops, Bible, and a list of pros and drawbacks.
“It did take me a while to find peace,” said Cardwell, who decided to return to Auburn for a fifth season after taking a recent “prayer vacation” to the beach. “Auburn’s been great to me off the court but on the court, it’s been a struggle that no one’s really seen.”
That struggle is around Cardwell’s desire to play more. In four seasons, he has played an average of 13.6 minutes per game. In year five, he’s looking for a bigger role.
“I’m a very unselfish player,” said Cardwell, who backed up NBA first-rounder Walker Kessler as a sophomore in 2021-22 when Auburn won the SEC regular season championship, and Johni Broome the previous two seasons, with the latter becoming an All-American while both helping the Tigers win the 2024 SEC Tournament championship. “I have taken a backseat to two outstanding players. Do I want to come back for a fifth year and have these wonderful memories at Auburn at the expense of becoming a role player? Or do I want to take a chance and join the NBA?”
Dylan does not only want to play in the NBA. He hopes to stay in the NBA for at least a decade.
“Figuring out what’s the best option for me to achieve my goal,” he went on to say. “That was the main consideration. “What’s going to keep me in the NBA for the longest time?”
He never considered playing for another collegiate basketball programme other than Auburn.
“My heart was never set on transferring,” said Cardwell, who graduated with honours from Auburn University’s Harbert College of Business in December. “I am an Auburn man through and through. What I have built here is unique.
“Above all, I fell in love with this community. No amount of NIL or playing time at an other school could take that away from me. I stuck it out because I adore Auburn.”
Cardwell, who set career highs in blocked shots (56), steals (22), points (5.3 per game), and assists (42) while shooting 70.9 percent from the field and 58.7 percent from the free-throw line, hopes to add more tools to his arsenal this summer and next season to prepare him for the NBA.
“Work on finishing around the basket,” said Cardwell, who has a career shooting percentage of 71.3. “I’m practicing hook shots, post moves, footwork, finishing with both hands, improving my 3-point shot, and driving the ball. It sounds like a lot, but I am quite confident. I’m grateful for the opportunity to return and work on these topics.”
Cardwell has a to-do list on defence.
“I want to be a more lockdown defender,” that’s what he said. “I enjoy guarding. Being able to turn off someone’s water and prevent him from getting past you. I am looking forward to adding my game.”
With the return of Cardwell and Broome, Auburn now has a frontcourt to rival any in NCAA basketball. The notion of both bigs playing at the same moment should intimidate anyone looking to assault the rim.
“We both have to expand our game tremendously for it to be able to work,” he remarked. “It demonstrates Bruce Pearl’s faith in us if it occurs. It also gives us a larger role to play, one that we may not be used to, but one that we must learn and mature in order to be a strong team the following year.
“I was quite happy to see Johni return. Guard play is vital, but at the end of the day, the players that are making waves in March have excellent frontcourts.”
Dylan Cardwell, the ideal Auburn man, returned for himself and his school after helping Auburn make history by winning two SEC championships in the previous three seasons.
“Leave everything out there. “Burn the boats,” he stated. “Give it my all in every game. Being free and not frightened to fail. Making big plays, taking big shots, and defending in the process.
“I’m learning and putting myself in position to be drafted in the first round.” I believe I am capable of doing these things. Making sure I’m placing myself in a position to leave a legacy. I will always be a part of the Auburn family. I want to win the national title. “I believe we have the team to do it.”
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