AAC Basketball: 25 best players from last decade (2013-23)

24. Jayden Gardner

Gardner was a marvelous addition for Virginia two years ago, but it’s because of what this 6’7 forward did at East Carolina in the preceding years. Originally from Wake Forest, Gardner stayed relatively close to home with the Pirates and was a very important piece for the program between 2018 and 2021, even if he’s better known now for his time with the Cavaliers.

A dynamic player from the beginning, Gardner was a full-time starter in the frontcourt and averaged 16.3 points and 8.5 rebounds as a freshman. He was one of the AAC’s best rebounders and most-utilized frontcourt players for those three years. He averaged 19.7 points and 9.2 rebounds as a sophomore and was just as productive in the pandemic-shortened season the following year. He actually led the conference in 2-point field goals in each of those three campaigns.

It’s no shocker that Gardner received conference honors in each of his three seasons, including First Team All-AAC in that final year. He twice lead the AAC in field goal percentage and proved himself as a playmaker. He was one of the league’s best down-low offensive weapons and also had great metrics in defensive rebounding. He just spent two pretty solid years in Virginia’s backcourt, but his time alone at East Carolina is more than worth mentioning.