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APRIL 2023 15 whom Gardner has shared much time in the frontcourt this season. "The experience the NIT gave us last year was good for us in a lot of ways," Gardner said. "It showed us what postseason play is like and let us improve on that core we have with our starters now. "But the NCAA Tournament is what it is all about, the whole reason I left ECU and chose UVA in particular was to get the incredible experience of playing in March Madness, and to finally have it all come to fruition is big time. I wear my emotions on my sleeve when I play and you will be able to tell how excited and happy I am to be able to get out there and play on such a big stage. "It's crazy how fast this year went by. I remember somebody at ECU told me when I first got there to enjoy it all and that your last year will go by the quickest and I can definitely say now that it is true. This year flew by, but the team played really well and I'm thankful for this opportunity and every- thing UVA has given me." " I wear my emotions on my sleeve I wear my emotions on my sleeve when I play, and you will be able when I play, and you will be able to tell how excited and happy I to tell how excited and happy I am to be able to get out there am to be able to get out there and play on such a big stage." and play on such a big stage." Gardner on making it to the NCAA Tournament After transferring to UVA from East Carolina in 2021, Gardner hit a couple major milestones this season, notching his 2,000th career point and 1,000th career rebound. He's one of four active play- ers in men's college basketball to have achieved this feat. (Photo by Matt Riley/courtesy UVA)