Jordan Swing (198-G-90, college: UAB) is a 30year old 198cm forward playing his 7th professional season and first in Germany with the Hamburg Towers (Pro A) currently averaging 10,2ppg, 2,6rpg, 1,9apg and is shooting 42% form outside. He began his basketball career at Vestavia Hills High School and then played a season at W Kentucky before moving to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (NCAA) where he played 90 NCAA games over the course of 3 seasons. He began his professional career in 2014 with the Canton Charge (D-League) and since then has played in countries like Australia, Spain (ACB), Belgium and Israel. Last season he played with Maccabi Rishon Le-Zion (Israel-Winner League) playing 10 Eurocup games averaging 11.9ppg, 2.9rpg, 1.6apg, 2FGP: 40.7%, 3FGP: 32.7%, FT: 87.1%;and played 19 Israeli Winner League games averaging 12.0ppg, 4.3rpg, 1.8apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 54.5%, 3FGP: 37.2%, FT: 90.0%. He spoke to eurobasket about his career earlier in the season.

Thanks Jordan for your time. How good does it feel being back on the court after being away for so long during COVID-19? What did you miss most from the game?


It felt great playing again after being away almost 6 months I really just missed the energy and competition of the real game.

Talk a little how tough the last 9 months were. COVID-19 hit in March and changed the world forever. How did experience the day to day back home

Of course a lot of things are different with wearing mask and social distancing but I try to live a normal life while taking the precautions of being safe

What was the most challenging thing about life and and finding ways to work on your fitness and game?

My indivisible workouts didn’t change much just didn’t get to play as much pick up

Congrats on signing with German easyCredit BBL team Hamburg Towers. Last season you had 2 good games in the Eurocup against ratiopharm Ulm. Had the idea of playing in Germany ever crossed your mind in the last years?


I never really thought about playing in Germany but when the opportunity came I was interested because I heard good things about the league

You heeded the words of your friend Drew Barham and came to the Hamburg Towers. What really has stood out most about this ambitious organization since you arrived?

The people in the club are really good people and even with the covid stuff they have tried to make things easy/

What has it been working together with talented coach Pedro Calles. What has really stood about his coaching tactics that will help you also progress in your game?

He’s great to work with. He pushes us hard and expect the best out of us which I like

What has it been playing with diminutive point guard TJ Shorts? Have you ever played with such a short guard and what do you appreciate most about his game?

Tj loves to share the ball and he pushes it hard in transition so I like to get out and run and score quick so it’s fun playing with him

Let’s talk about your game. You’re a 198cm shooting guard that can shoot the ball very well. If you had to compare your game to another NBA player who would best fit the description?

I really don’t know who I compare to in the NBA I’m good shooting but also good creating for others I’ll let you pick

You’re an overall versatile player, but if you had to name your absolute biggest asset on the court what would it be?

Scoring/creating

Pedro Calles is known for finding good defensive game plans. Where do you see taking your defensive game this season?

I want to take my defensive game to the next level I wouldn’t say I’m a bad defender but I want to be known as a good defender

On what area’s of your game did you work on most this summer to be best prepared for the easyCredit BBL?

Worked on my body a lot this summer getting stronger

You played the last 2 seasons in Israel. Last season you played mainly for Maccabi Rishon Le-Zion (Israel-Winner League) putting up good stats in the Winner league and Eurocup. Americans always rave about playing in Israel. How was it for you? What did you enjoy most about this experience?


I loved Isreal great weather good food easy country to live in

You were swept by Hapoel Jerusalem but scored 29 points, had 10 rebounds and 6 assists in game 2. You have played so many games in your career, but is that one of those games you will always remember?


Yea my game against Jerusalem has to be one of my best games as a pro

In 2017-2018 you had your second tour of duty in the Spanish ACB playing for Gipuzkoa BC San Sebastian averaging 10.4ppg, 3.6rpg, 1.8apg, FGP: 46.7%, 3PT: 35.6%, FT: 84.4%. You had a very strong personal season. How gratifying was this season and is it difficult continuing to be motivated when you have reached the top league in Europe behind the Euroleague?


No my motivations doesn’t come from reaching certain levels it comes from my passion to play the game no matter where I am.

In 2015-2016 you had your first experience in the Spanish ACB with CAI Zaragoza playing 14 games averaging 3.1ppg;and played 6 Eurocup games averaging 4.2ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.0rpg You played your first game against Real Madrid in 2016 against a 17 year old Luka Doncic who scored 11 points in the 96-84 win. What impression did he leave you on that night and could he become the greatest of all-time in the NBA in the future?

It was fun playing against Doncic, but I didn’t think at the time he was going to be that good but he proved me wrong one of the best in the NBA.

With the Canton Charge you played 11 games averaging 4,0ppg. What was it like playing in the D-League? What positives could you get from that experience?

The G-league was a great experience high level of talent and playing a lot of games/

As a junior you played against top school North Carolina holding your own against many future NBA players and scored 21 points. What memories do you have of that game and what NC player stood out the most at that time?

Beating North Carolina was a great achievement in college

Please construct your personal NBA Mount Rushmore of past or present players?

Jordan Lebron Magic Bird Kobe

What is your personal opinion between the never ending debate between Michael Jordan and Lebron James concerning who is the greatest of all-time?

Jordan.

Thanks Jordan for the chat.