Augusta’s leading scorer Demitri Gardner enters transfer portal

Justin Gray | Sports editor

Augusta’s leading scorer, Demitri Gardner, entered the transfer portal Monday evening, he announced on Instagram.

He wrote:

“Jag Nation,

I just want to say thank you to Augusta University and everyone who has been a part of this wonderful ride over the last four years. I’ve enjoyed every step of the process and have learned a lot—not only as a player but as a man. I will forever be grateful for the brothers and bonds I’ve created during my time at Augusta. Once a Jag, always a Jag.

But with that being said, I will be entering my name into the transfer portal for my last year of eligibility.”

The move comes just two days after the Jaguars were eliminated from the NCAA Tournament by Lenoir-Rhyne, 94-79.

Gardner was one of the top scorers in Division II this season, averaging 23.2 points per game, ranking 12th in the country.

The junior guard totaled 695 points this season, just 29 shy of Augusta University’s single-season scoring record, set by Keshun Sherrill in 2016-17.

“I met with Meech this morning, and he indicated that he wants to play Division I basketball,” Coach Dip Metress said. “I told him to be sure to finish his semester strong academically. He is on track to graduate this summer with his criminal justice degree.”

Gardner was part of the Jaguars program for four years, redshirting his first season during Augusta’s national championship runner-up campaign.

He made a big jump in 2023-24 and was named to the Peach Belt Conference second team.

This season, he was named first-team All-Peach Belt Conference and to the all-region team. Had the Jaguars won the conference, he more than likely would have been named Player of the Year.

With only Maximillian Amadasun expected to leave, it will be tough for the Jaguars to find a late-cycle replacement for Gardner.

Contact Justin Gray at jusgray@augusta.edu.