The NCAA tournament is about basketball but also so much more: the parents, fans, bands, cheerleaders, etc. The Sweet 16/Elite 8 are taking place in 4 cities around the country and we could not be more excited to be there in person! HoopsHD is covering all the angles so you can look forward to an abundance of access in the days ahead. Jon Teitel continues our coverage from Atlanta with some Auburn locker room interviews.
SR C Dylan Cardwell
You were born in Augusta (150 miles east of Atlanta): did you ever get to attend the Masters? I went once when I was in kindergarten: the only thing I remember is that they had good sandwiches.
Your brother Drake is your teammate: what has it been like to share this magical season with him? It has been great: we grew up playing basketball together, but this is his 1st time in the NCAA tourney.
You were a 3-time SEC Academic Honor Roll selection: how do you balance your work on the court with your work in the classroom? My mom taught me that you had to be smart to get into college. After I got here, Auburn has provided me with any help that I needed.
You are the host of “Chillin’ with Dylan” digital video series: what is it about? It has been a great experience: I get to go around campus and just highlight how great our school is.
You are the winningest player in Auburn history: what is the secret to being a winner? Jesus Christ…but also being a hard worker and buying into everything.
What do you know about Michigan? They are gritty competitors so it will be an exciting matchup.
SR F Ja’Heim Hudson
You were born in Hinesville (4 hours southeast of Atlanta) and started your career at Georgia State (whose arena is just 2 miles south of State Farm Arena!): how nice is it for you to come back to your home state? It is great to get to play in my home state: Atlanta is like my 2nd home.
Your nickname is “Turtle”: who gave you the nickname, and how do you like it? My auntie Crystal gave it to me when I was young because I would always move slow. I hated the name at 1st…but now I love it!
1 of your high school teammates was Isaiah Collier, who was a 1st round pick by Utah in the 2024 NBA Draft: how close are you 2? We are still close and keep in touch and chop it up. He has been doing very well in the NBA and is 1 of my favorite teammates ever: we won a state title together at Wheeler in 2021.
The SEC set a record this month with 14 NCAA tourney bids: what is it like to be part of the best conference in the history of the sport? It is very competitive every night and all the games are sold out.
What do you know about Michigan? 2 things: the Fab 5…and that they will lose on Friday night!
Check back for a lot more access all week long!
