Cole Swider Represents Rhode Island in Jordan Brand Classic

While the high school basketball season is over, all-star season continues with the Jordan Brand Classic today. After starring with BABC and St. Andrew’s, Cole Swider will get his chance to play in the 2018 game.

Swider is heading to Philadelphia to play for Jay Wright and the National champion Villanova Wildcats. In season, he says he talked to Wright nearly every day.

The Portsmouth, RI native credits Coach Mike Hart and playing in the NEPSAC for his development as a player. Many consider it the premier prep school basketball league in the country.

No wonder, Villanova keeps coming back to New England for more. They just won their second title, and it featured St. Thomas More products Omari Spellman and Eric Paschall. Promising freshman Jermaine Samuels is from Massachusetts, and he figures to play a prominent role for the Wildcats the next few seasons.

For Swider, his goals are simple. He just wants to play well, and win a National Championship.

With the talent they’ve recruited and players they’re continuing to develop, that goal could become a reality both for Swider and his new team.