Auburn basketball alumnus Dylan Cardwell discussed his experiences during his first season as an NBA player in a statement released on May 4. Cardwell, who played for the Sacramento Kings, reflected on supporting Auburn during their NIT championship game and adapting to life as a professional athlete.
Cardwell’s journey from college to the NBA has drawn attention because of his transition from being undrafted to securing a four-year contract with the Kings. He said he wore a custom-made Auburn hockey jersey while entering Golden 1 Center before learning that Auburn was competing in the NIT final. “Big AU logo on the front, Cardwell 44 on the back,” he said. “I’m walking in, we’re up 20-5 against Tulsa, we’re fixing to win the NIT. I’m telling Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan, ‘We got this in the bag, we won the NIT, we’re fixing to hang a banner.’”
After going undrafted despite hopes of being selected in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft, Cardwell accepted a two-way contract with Sacramento. He described adjusting to life far from home: “How’s this going to work? I’ve lived in only two states my whole entire life.” Support from family and faith played an important role for him: “It says the Lord’s blessings make us wealthy and there will be no sorrow attached to it,” he said.
Cardwell led all NBA rookies in rebounds and blocks per game during his first year and saw his contract converted into a standard four-year deal after just 25 games. Reflecting on his performance, he said: “For me, it was really cool to see that I’m playing the best front courts in the NBA and I’m not just competing but I’m dominating. That’s what people saw.” His former coach Bruce Pearl predicted success for him early on: “As good a teammate as any player I’ve ever coached,” Pearl said on Dec. 30, 2024.
Steven Pearl also praised Cardwell’s abilities: “Dylan Cardwell is elite in his role,” Steven Pearl said. “He’s an elite finisher in the air, he’s an elite rebounder and he’s one of the best defenders I’ve ever seen.” Returning home after his rookie season ended remains meaningful for Cardwell: “Getting to see the people I made history with, it means the world to me because I love Auburn to death.”
Looking ahead, Cardwell continues preparing for another season with Sacramento while staying connected with Auburn roots. “I wouldn’t be in the NBA if it wasn’t for the Lord,” he said.
