Aaron Beard

Aaron Beard is a seasoned sports journalist currently serving as a Sports and College Hoops Writer for the Associated Press as of 2025. Based in ACC country, he covers NCAA basketball extensively, with a focus on major tournaments, team dynamics, and player profiles. Beard has been with the Associated Press for several years, consistently producing high-impact stories on college basketball and broader sports topics. His writing is characterized by in-depth analysis, a strong narrative approach, and a focus on both the athletic and human elements of sports. Beard's career trajectory includes regular bylines in major outlets that syndicate AP content, such as ajc.com and daytondailynews.com, and his work is frequently cited by regional and national sports media. He is recognized for his authoritative voice on college basketball, particularly within the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), and is known for his ability to break down complex sports issues for a broad audience. Beard's professional reputation is built on accuracy, thorough reporting, and a passion for storytelling that resonates with both sports enthusiasts and general readers.