Cavalier Corner is the publication just for UVa sports fans!
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1445337
18 CAVALIER CORNER The decision to transfer continues to look better and better as Gardner has fit seam- lessly into Bennett's system. He has scored 15 or more points on eight occasions and leads the Cavaliers in both points (14.0) and rebounds (7.0) per game. He has achieved four double-doubles, but his con- tributions do not end there. Gardner has thrived in Virginia's defense- first approach. The forward plays tough on the inside on every defensive possession and has contributed six steals, as well as six blocks, to the defensive effort. He has been a constant source of scoring and stability for the Wahoos. "They've had guys that play a similar style to what I play, so I think I came into a good situation that fit me and I think it is working out well," Gardner said. That type of success doesn't just happen overnight. Gardner attributes his strong start at Virginia to the daily work he has put in on his game, as well as the relationships he has been able to establish with his team- mates and coaches. "I don't really hide anything [about my- self]," he said. "I just play basketball and hang out with the guys. … It's just confi- dence and belief in yourself and having coaches and teammates that trust you and believe in you and going to work every day." In their recent history, the Cavaliers have established a pipeline to the NBA. Virginia alumni competing in the league include the likes of Justin Anderson (Indiana), Malcolm Brogdon (Indiana), Anthony Gill (Wash- ington), Mamadi Diakite (Oklahoma City), Kyle Guy (Miami), Joe Harris (Brooklyn), De'Andre Hunter (Atlanta), Ty Jerome (Okla- homa City), Braxton Key (Philadelphia), Sam Hauser (Boston) and Trey Murphy III (New Orleans). Gardner has his sights set on join- ing these names in the pro ranks. "I want to play professional basketball as long as I can, and then after I want to get into broadcasting," he said. The fourth-year will look to follow in the foot- steps of Key, Hauser and Murphy, who all took their talents to the NBA after transferring to Vir- ginia. In the present, however, Gardner's focus remains in Charlottesville with the Cavaliers. Virginia will lean on the transfer's talent on both ends of the floor to help it contend for the ACC title while a host of schools fight for positioning in the standings. " They've had guys that play a similar style to what I play, so I think I came into a good situation that fit me and I think it is working out well. " GARDNER ON UVA Gardner came to Virginia after spending his first three seasons at East Carolina. As a second-year player, he led the American Athletic Conference in scoring at 19.7 points per game. (Photo by Jim Daves/courtesy UVA)