Every day seems to bring news for Syracuse’s ever-evolving roster. Much like the rest of college basketball, the transfer portal has been like Chicago O’Hare on Thanksgiving Eve. While SU has lost some good players, the flip side is the Orange has benefitted as well. Jay Wright has developed a machine in Philly, a Villanova program known for its lack of egos and hard-workers. He knew what he was getting in Cole Swider. He landed a player who refused to be outworked.
The Daily Orange published a fantastic piece on Swider and the work ethic that defines him. His high school days began at 5:30a and didn’t end until 8:30pm. That was just the start of it.
“He’s a really focused kid. Boeheim just got a kid who’s going to be there an hour before and stay an hour after. That’s how he is.” РMike Hart, St. Andrews head coach
Swider was the 44th-ranked player in his high school class, according to 247 Sports. The 6’9″ stretch-four is known for the extra hours he puts in at practice, and a commitment that’s rare for a college player. More than 50 programs were interested in Swider, but he chose SU. Buddy Boeheim reached out to Swider to talk about joining and the two connected through their work ethic.
Swider is a player who wants to be coached. His work ethic hasn‚Äôt wavered since the early morning Rhode Island buses, and Hart said he‚Äôs ‘thick skinned’ when it comes to tough coaching, a trait that may be applicable at SU. – Daily Orange
Don’t think for a minute that Swider doesn’t understand the labor it will take to get minutes at SU. Even though the Orange were high on him, he understands nothing should be assumed.
“Obviously nothing’s guaranteed going to Syracuse and I’m ready to work for everything I get… They can expect a hungry, drive and a hardworking kid that’s going to give you their all.” – Cole Swider
Swider is a sharpshooter that couldn’t crack Nova’s rotation. He’s a finisher that may need minutes to be effective. His defense leaves room to improve. Nothing is guaranteed except for the certainty that Swider is going to work his tail off to get there.
