Top 5 Reasons To Watch HPU vs. Gardner Webb

In a world of ever-changing stimuli, it is natural that we as fans have competing interests that may redirect our attention away from our favorite team. Dates get circled on the calendar as “premier” match-ups, can’t-miss games while others may fall by the wayside.  

At first glance, High Point’s game against the Runnin’ Bulldogs of Gardner-Webb may appear to be the latter.  Gardner-Webb has yet to log an NCAA Division I victory this year and even suffered a double-digit loss at home against Division II opponent North Greenville.  So why should we focus on this game? 

Here is a top 5 list of reasons to watch High Point vs. Gardner-Webb.

#5 Jeremy Luther’s Farewell Tour: Coaches are always judged against their predecessor.  But this relationship is accentuated for internal hires. G.G. Smith will always be tied to Tubby Smith and Flynn Clayman will always be tied to Alan Huss to a greater degree than Alan Huss will be tied to G.G. Smith. 

Such is the case for Jeremy Luther who was an assistant coach for Tim Craft before taking the head role in the 2024-25 season. 

Tim Craft left Gardner-Webb after 11 years boasting a winning record and a trip to the NCAA tournament.  He had twice as many winning seasons as losing ones, and never placed below 7th in the Big South.  

In his first season, Coach Luther underperformed his predecessor.  Barring a massive change of fortunes, Gardner-Webb is poised to clench last place in the Big South in their worst season in more than a decade. 

The head coaching seat at Gardner-Webb is heating up.  And this just may be Jeremy Luther’s swansong in the Qubein Arena. 

#4 Developing Talent: One of many pleasant surprises this year is the development of true-Freshman Caden Miller. Coming into the season on a roster filled with talented upper-classmen, Caden was looking at the very real possibility of a red shirt year.  But he worked his way into the lineup with undeniable talent and an excellent work ethic.  

Each week, we can see real-time gains in Caden’s minutes and impact.

Against UNC-Asheville, he was the first sub off the bench, spelling Owen Aquino after only 1 minute of play.  If High Point can retain him, we may be watching the emergence of a future Big South player of the year. 

#3 Students Return: It was great to get the band as well as the full cheer and dance teams back against Longwood.  But it will be doubly great to get the student fans back against Gardner-Webb. 

The games just have a different level of energy when the students are there. 

#2 Cam Fletcher Enigma: Cam’ron Fletcher is arguably the most talented player in the Big South and is certainly the most talented player I’ve ever seen on the court.  I was awestruck the first time I saw him gallup up the court with the ball leading the fast break as a point-center.  

But recent weeks have been a bit tumultuous. 

Cam was one of many players/coaches to catch the flu and miss a game.  He chose to bump out of the starting lineup.  And he was not present (in uniform or out) in their rivalry game against Longwood due to a reported “inner team” issue. 

Will he play against Gardner-Webb?  And if so, what role will he have?  

#1 Force Multiplier: The team shop sells 6th man jerseys.  And home team fans certainly help will a team to victory.  But against Gardner-Webb, fans will truly be able to be a “Force” multiplier. 

The Star Wars themed night will include a light saber give-away for students.  And fans will be encouraged to dress in their favorite Star Wars swag. 

And much like Anakin to the younglings, we will see if High Point can help Gardner-Webb become one with the Force.