The Daily Hoosier caught up with fast rising class of 2024 shooting guard Austin Swartz of the Boo Williams AAU program. Indiana offered Swartz a scholarship in April.
With 21 points per game, Swartz was the third-highest scorer on the Nike EYBL Circuit this spring. He added 3.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while shooting 44.3 percent from the field overall including 37.2 percent from three, and Swartz made 88.9 percent from the stripe.
Here’s our Q&A with Swartz while in Memphis at the EYBL session four:
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TDH: You’ve kind of blown up this spring, what has it been like for you personally to see your hard work come to fruition?
Swartz — It’s kind of been surreal. It’s been a long journey to get here. This is my first time playing on the Nike circuit, and I’ve been able to showcase my talents and it’s been nice that people have taken notice.
Note: Swartz has added around 15 offers since the start of the April live periods.
TDH: What do you notice that’s different with playing on the Nike circuit?
Swartz — Just the competition level. You can have the last seed who’s 1-12 beat somebody who’s 10-2. Every single team has top-ranked players, even the bad ones. It’s just different. And people notice when you play well against competition like that.
TDH: Have you exceeded your own expectations with how well you’ve been playing? What did you realistically expect from yourself?
Swartz — I wouldn’t say that I’ve exceeded, because we haven’t been in Peach Jam yet, and that’s the goal. I’m definitely proud of myself, but definitely not done either. We’ve got another step to take.
Note: Peach Jam is the fifth and final leg of the EYBL in July.
TDH: You’ve got a bunch of new offers over the last month. How are you going to start to narrow things down this summer?
Swartz — It’s tough, you like multiple schools, and you can see yourself at different places. But it comes down to the people, and do you feel like they really believe in you? It just kind of comes down to the people that you trust the most. It’s going to be a tough decision.
TDH: Do you have a big picture thought on timing for wrapping up your recruitment?
Swartz — I definitely want to have it over before my high school basketball season. I want to know where I’m going so I can play with a free mind during the season.
TDH: Tell me what you’ve learned about Indiana since they started recruiting you a month ago?
Swartz — Coach (Kenya) Hunter and Coach (Adam) Howard, those are the two that I’ve been talking to the most. Cool people, I definitely like both of them for sure. They’ve talked to me about Jalen Hood-Schifino, because he’s a North Carolina kid just like me, and what they did for him. We’re kind of different players, but just seeing how they can elevate my game to his level, because he’s going to be a lottery pick, and I’m trying to get there. What they did with him, I feel like they can do the same with me.
TDH: Do you see yourself as a shooting guard at the next level?
Swartz — I feel like I’m a combo guard. I don’t really need the ball for me to be effective, so I don’t feel like I have to dominate the ball, so whether it’s point guard or shooting guard, either one. I just like schools who play fast and trust their guards.
TDH: You and Jaeden Mustaf are two of the top scorers on the EYBL while playing together for Boo Williams. You seem to play off of each other very well. Tell me about playing with him.
Swartz — This is our first year playing together, and it’s been great. We’ve got a pretty good combo going of slasher and shooter, and you kind of have to pick your poison. If he drives my side you’re giving up a play, and if you help you’re giving up a three. That’s pretty deadly right there.
Note: Mustaf is visiting IU June 8-10.
For more background on Swartz, GO HERE.
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