Gardner-Webb finished second in its division last season, but the Runnin’ Bulldogs lost their top two scorers and outside shooting threats, meaning that coach Tim Craft has some rebuilding to do in his 10th season with G-W. The team has two returning starters and a host of role players to meld with a big incoming class.
2021-22 record: 18-13 (11-5 Big South)
Top players: Senior forward Kareem Reid is the top returnee for the Runnin’ Bulldogs and a preseason All-Big South second-teamer. He averaged 9.3 points last season to go with 5.1 rebounds. Senior forward Ludovic Dufeal led the Bulldogs in rebounding last season. Anthony Selden, a sixth man last season, is the team’s leading returning outside shooter.
Key additions: Quest Aldridge, who averaged 14.2 points for Belmont Abbey last season, leads the transfers. He’s a 40% shooter from 3. Lucas Steiber is a point guard from Wisconsin-Green Bay. Wing Caleb Robinson led Catawba at 18.2 points per game, and guard DQ Nicholas shot 43% from 3 for Southeast Missouri. The team also has four incoming freshmen or JUCOs.
Departed players: Guard D’Maurian Williams led Gardner-Webb with 14.5 points and 39.3% 3-point accuracy. He transferred to Texas Tech in the offseason. Lance Terry, among league leaders in scoring, shooting and 3-point accuracy, transferred to Georgia Tech. Starter Zion Williams graduated, and Jordan Sears transferred to UT Martin.
Expectations: Gardner-Webb lost its two best players and a total of four key contributors. They’ll try to replace them with transfers from smaller schools and lower levels. It will be a challenge to match last season’s success, although the Runnin’ Bulldogs were picked fourth in the league and will likely be a dark-horse contender.
