For the second time in three years the Villanova Wildcats are in the Final Four. They have six players who averaged double figures in scoring this season. They have the BIG EAST Freshman of the Year in Omari Spellman and they have an elite recruiting class, featuring Saint Andrew’s (RI) forward Cole Swider. So, it’s fair to say it’s going to be sunny in Philadelphia for years to come.
Basketball analyst and The Upside host Adam Finkelstein watched Cole at the National Prep School Invitational and broke down the young scorer’s game.
“This guy is known for his ability to rain threes and rightfully so, but he’s really emerged into a total scorer in recent years,” said Finkelstein. “He plays with a chip on his shoulder, he’s evolved athletically so he can get loose in the open floor and play above the rim. He has learned to attack closeouts and just has that confidence and all around presence that a big time scorer has.”
For Wildcat fans wondering what kind of impact the forward will have as a freshman, Finkelstein thinks Swider is ready to start contributing from game one.
It’s official! 🖊🔵⚪ pic.twitter.com/2bCuCEoL7l
— Cole Swider (@coleswider21) November 9, 2017
“Villanova’s a program that’s known for bringing their guys along slowly but I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Cole Swider’s a guy that can earn immediate minutes, especially with his ability to score the basketball. If he can hold his own defensively as a freshman, I think he sees some time and makes and impact from day one.”
