Dylan Cardwell brings a dynamic energy to the court, standing tall at 6’11” for the Auburn Tigers. Known for his powerful play and enthusiasm, he’s not just a standout on the floor but a fan favorite whose passion and leadership resonate with teammates and supporters alike. Starting in all the 12 games he’s played, most games start in his college basketball career, Dylan has averaged 5.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists showcasing his all-around skills and growing impact on the court.

After dominating the Purdue Boilermakers (87-69), Bruce Pearl’s Auburn Tigers stand 4th in the SEC as they will match up against the Monmouth in their final game of the year. Tigers would look to expand on their 4-win streak. Dylan would look forward to making his most in his final year of collegiate basketball. Here’s everything you need to know about Auburn’s 6’11” center.

Overcoming Obstacles: Dylan Cardwell’s Path to Auburn

Born on December 16, 2001, Dylan Cardwell grew up in Augusta, Georgia. Dylan Cardwell spent his first two years of high school basketball at Evans High School in Evans, Georgia, before moving to Oak Hill Academy for his junior year. He later attempted to transfer back to Georgia for his senior season in 2019-20, but couldn’t.

Instead, Dylan transferred to McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Georgia, to team up with future Auburn teammate Sharife Cooper. Unfortunately, the Georgia High School Association ruled him ineligible, which changed his plans for his senior year.

“They either yay or nay a kid on his eligibility, and they ruled him ineligible. We went through an appeals process, and they ruled him ineligible again, based on the second time we went in there. He and his mom went through a process of taking the situation to court because they were not very happy with the findings with the results of dealing with the Georgia High School Association,” McEachern head coach Mike Thompson said to Rivals in 2020.

As a result, in the 2019-20 season, Dylan Cardwell couldn’t play in games due to his ineligibility, however, he remained focused and committed, practicing with the McEachern team to continue improving.

“Not being able to play my senior year hurt, it really did,” Dylan mentioned on his Instagram post.

Dylan Cardwell was recognized as a four-star prospect by Rivals and a three-star by 247Sports and ESPN. He ranked No. 125 by Rivals and No. 151 by 247Sports in the Class of 2020. As a junior, Dylan Cardwell contributed 3.8 points and 3.8 rebounds per game, impressively shooting 68 percent from the floor.

On the Nike EYBL circuit, Dylan Cardwell averaged 6.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game. At the 2019 Peach Jam, he put up 5.2 points, seven rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game, showcasing his all-around skills. Before becoming a top basketball prospect, Dylan Cardwell spent three years mopping the floors as a ball boy at the Peach Jam.

He recalled the experience with a saying, “I tell people I used to be a ball boy and they laugh. A 6-5 eighth-grader walking around with the 6-9 players, mopping up.”

In 2018, he got the chance to play at the Peach Jam for the first time, joining Team CP3 in the 16-and-under division. After passing out from school, the young center chose to join the Auburn Tigers. And ever since, he’s been loyal to his teammates and coach.

Cardwell steps up as the Tigers’ key contributor

As a freshman, Dylan Cardwell played in all 27 games of the season as a key reserve, contributing 3.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 0.6 blocks, and 0.5 assists on an average of 15.2 minutes per game. Cardwell became the only player in the country during the 2020-21 season to shoot over 70% from the floor while also racking up at least 90 rebounds and 15 blocks, showcasing his efficiency and dominance within the paint. Additionally, it included scoring a career-high 10 points while shooting 5-of-7, in a game against Ole Miss.

The Tigers went through a transition as Dylan became an integral part of the team. In his sophomore year, Cardwell played in all 34 games that season, contributing 11.5 minutes off the bench averaging 3.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, proving to be a solid support for his team. He even made a significant impact on defense, ranking second on the team with 42 blocked shots and third in offensive rebounds with 53.

In his junior year, Dylan Cardwell played in 32 games during the season, contributing 3.7 points and 3.8 rebounds per game off the bench. His hard work earned him his first career start against Texas Southern, marking a key milestone in his journey.

Recently the senior duo, Cardwell and Johni Broome led the team from the front at the Maui Invitational, displaying their experience Johni became the MVP of the tournament with an outstanding performance, scoring 21 points and pulling down 16 rebounds to lead No. 4 Auburn to a 90-76 victory over Memphis, securing the Maui Invitational championship.

Dylan Cardwell had an impressive outing, going a perfect 8-for-8 from the field and finishing with 18 points. Dylan Cardwell’s story is one of perseverance and growth. From facing challenges early in his career to becoming a vital part of the Auburn Tigers, his journey reflects his resilience and commitment.