Cole Swider

Cole Alexander Swider ( SWY-dər; born May 8, 1999) is an American professional basketball player who is a free agent. He played college basketball for the Villanova Wildcats and the Syracuse Orange.

Early life

Swider grew up in Portsmouth, Rhode Island and attended the St. Andrew's School. Swider was named the Rhode Island Gatorade Player of the Year as a junior after averaging 26.5 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.9 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. He averaged 31 points per game in his senior season. Swider was rated a four-star recruit and committed to play college basketball at Villanova over offers from Syracuse, Xavier and Duke.

College career

Swider began his collegiate career at Villanova. He played in 31 games and started 15 during his sophomore season and averaged 6.1 points and 2.9 rebounds. As a junior, he played in all 25 of Villanova's games and averaged 5.7 points and 2.8 rebounds per game. After the season, Swider entered the NCAA transfer portal.

Swider ultimately transferred to Syracuse. He became the Orange's starting power forward and averaged 13.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. Following the end of the season, Swider announced that he would be entering the 2022 NBA draft and hiring an agent.

Professional career

Los Angeles / South Bay Lakers (2022–2023)

After going undrafted in the 2022 NBA draft, Swider signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers on July 1, 2022, splitting time with their G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. Swider joined the L.A. Lakers' 2022 NBA Summer League roster. In his Summer League debut, Swider scored thirteen points, six rebounds and a block in a 100–66 win against the Miami Heat. On July 26, 2023, Swider was waived by the Lakers.

Miami Heat / Sioux Falls Skyforce (2023–2024)

On August 11, 2023, Swider signed with the Miami Heat and on October 21, his deal was converted into a two-way contract.

Detroit Pistons / Motor City Cruise (2024–2025)

On August 8, 2024, Swider signed with the Indiana Pacers, but was waived on October 18. Three days later, he signed a two-way contract with the Detroit Pistons. However, he was waived on January 6, 2025.

Return to South Bay (2025)

On February 19, 2025, Swider was acquired by the South Bay Lakers via a trade with Motor City Cruise. The next day Swider put up a season-high 36 points in a 123-112 loss against the Rip City Remix.

Toronto Raptors (2025)

On March 26, 2025, Swider signed a 10-day contract with the Toronto Raptors. On April 5, Swider re-signed with Toronto for the remainder of the season. In 8 games for the Raptors, he averaged 7.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 0.3 assists. On April 10, Swider was waived by Toronto.