Auburn basketball: Dylan Cardwell commits to Auburn

FORT MYERS, FL - DECEMBER 21: Dylan Cardwell #20 of Oak Hill Academy is introduced prior to the game against Imhotep Charter High School during the City Of Palms Classic at Suncoast Credit Union Arena on December 21, 2018 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
FORT MYERS, FL - DECEMBER 21: Dylan Cardwell #20 of Oak Hill Academy is introduced prior to the game against Imhotep Charter High School during the City Of Palms Classic at Suncoast Credit Union Arena on December 21, 2018 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Dylan Cardwell committed to Auburn May 7 over programs such as Vanderbilt, UConn, Georgia, Tennessee, Miami and Maryland.

Cardwell is ranked No. 150 by the 247 composite and No. 125 by Rivals. At one point, Duke was also showing interest in Cardwell.

Today’s commitment gives Auburn the No. 7 class in the country, according to 247Sports, and Cardwell joins Sharife Cooper, JT Thor, Chris Moore and Justin Powell in Auburn’s 2020 class.

Auburn’s class is currently ranked between Arizona’s and Arkansas’ classes. Despite being a top seven class, Auburn’s class is ranked No. 5 in the SEC.

Cardwell has been linked to Auburn for a while, after it was reported that Auburn football’s defensive line coach Rodney Garner is related to Cardwell. Jason Caldwell of 247Sports reported that Cardwell was also in Jordan-Hare Stadium for the Kick Six.

Cooper and Cambridge played with Cardwell on the Athletes of Tomorrow AAU team, and Cardwell was slated to play the following high school season with Cooper before transfer rules forced Cardwell to miss the entire season. As a junior, Cardwell played on a talented loaded Oak Hill team. He had teammates such as Cole AnthonyKofi CockburnChristian Brown and others.

Cardwell’s AAU highlights show him as a fearless rim protector and a big man who can run the court. He is also on the receiving end of multiple lobs and assists from Cooper. Cardwell is listed at 6’10” and 220 lb by 247 and 6’11” and 230 lb by Rivals.

Despite missing his senior season, Cardwell was still on the team and practicing with players such as Cooper and took at least one visit to Auburn with Cooper.

Even though he had to miss his senior season, Cardwell was one of the most entergetic players and best teammates on the court.

Despite Cardwell’s missed playing time and ranking, his energy, willingness to defend and familiarity with the team could allow him to play some minutes as a true freshman.