GREENVILLE, N.C. — Former Heritage High School star, Jayden Gardner is thriving in Greenville with the East Carolina University Pirates. The sophomore forward is leading the American Athletic Conference in scoring, and he leads his team in points and rebounds.  

  • Jayden Gardner leads the ECU Pirates in points and rebounds
  • He leads the American Athletic Conference in scoring
  • After college, he plans to pursue a pro-basketball career and sports broadcasting after that

Gardner chose ECU in the midst of a coaching transition with Joe Dooley returning to the program for a second stint. Gardner knew he would earn his opportunity to play early on and he has taken full advantage. Dooley feels that Gardner is in position to have a legendary career with the Pirates.

Dooley says, "I think he wanted to maybe be someplace where he could make an immediate impact and he has. He's been on the floor since he's a freshman and has started just about every game. He only hasn't started one game this year and I would anticipate, barring injuries, for the next two years after this year that he'll be the starter every other game for the rest of his career. He's got a possibility to create a little bit of legacy for himself."

Jayden has plans to pursue his professionial basketball career when his time is up in Greenville. He also has aspirations for sports broadcasting beyond basketball.