Swift comes full circle, returning to play for Jam
| Tuesday, Nov 03 2009 09:51 PM
Last Updated Tuesday, Nov 03 2009 10:28 PM
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Photo courtesy of The Oklahoman Oklahoma City NBA player Robert Swift.
Robert Swift spent countless hours honing his skills on the basketball courts of Bakersfield. A two-time Californian All-Area Player of the Year at Garces and Bakersfield high schools, Swift was one of the few phenoms to make the leap from preps to the NBA.
Now, the 7-foot center will return to his hometown for a chance at redemption, and possibly a return to the NBA.
Swift joins guard/forward Justin Hawkins as one of two players allocated to the Jam by the D-League on Tuesday.
Drafted No. 12 overall out of Bakersfield High by the Seattle Sonics in 2004, Swift averaged 4.3 points and 3.9 rebounds in 15.5 minutes per game over four injury-plagued NBA seasons.
In 2005-06, he tallied career highs in points (6.4), rebounds (5.6) and blocks (1.2) in 47 games, including 20 as a starter. He appeared ready to break out before knee problems derailed much of the next several seasons.
"As soon as I heard that Bakersfield had a team, I was hoping I could play for them," said Swift, who is healthy again and thrilled to be returning home. "I'm excited to just be able to play, and not worry about getting injured again or all the little things. Being back home and in a more stable and secure situation, I think it's gonna be a great year."
Swift previously played in Bakersfield during a 2007 preseason game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Seattle Sonics at Rabobank Arena.
Jam head coach Will Voigt shares Swift's excitement: "I am thrilled to have a player of Robert's magnitude on our team, but I'm even more excited about the impact that he will have on the Bakersfield community. To have a local star return home to play is about as good as it gets."
Hawkins (6-7, 210) was a standout at New Mexico State from 2006-2008, leading the team in scoring and rebounding throughout his two-year tenure at the school. A versatile wingman, he averaged 18.1 ppg and 7.2 rpg as a senior in 2007-08. Hawkins spent the 2008-09 season in France's ProA league, where he averaged 13.3 points and 4.6 rebounds a game for Besancon Basket Comte Doubs.
The Jam will add more talent to the roster during the D-League Draft, which will air on NBA TV on Thursday. The remainder of the invitees to training camp, which begins on Nov. 12, will be chosen from participants in last month's open tryouts.
