Isaiah Swann

10/06/03: Swann verballed to Fla St.

09/28/03: "The 6-foot-2 combination guard from Rockville, Md., is currently on his official visit at UConn. Swann said his choices are down to UConn and Florida State and he would like to make an oral commitment within a week. "This is a big decision, a four-year decision right here," said Swann, who plays at Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Va. "I would fit in perfectly with either school."

This will be Swann’s fourth and last official visit. He canceled next week’s visit to the University of Cincinnati.

His three previous visits were to Florida State, Maryland and Arizona. "Maryland had too many guards, and yeah, it’s close to home. I need to get away," Swann said. "It (Arizona) was far, very far (from home)."

The 193-pound Swann averaged 17 points and four assists per game during his junior season at Oak Hill Military Academy, where he played with current UConn freshman Marcus Williams. Swann is spending time with Williams this weekend on campus.

Swann transferred to Hargrave in the offseason. "I can create, that’s the biggest thing I do," Swann said of his game. "I can create my own shot and try to get my teammates involved and make them better. That’s my main focus. … I’m mainly a two (shooting guard), but I can play the one (point) because that’s what you are going to need to get to the next level."

Swann likes the idea of being part of the foundation to help build Florida State into a national power. But he also is enamored with being part of a team that is already at that elite level.

Either way, the amount of playing time will be a huge factor in Swann’s decision. "Actually, that’s one of the main factors, besides academics," Swann said. "Obviously, they are losing Ben (Gordon). With Marcus and me in the backcourt, that would be fun again, just like at Oak Hill. We had some good times there." - New Haven Register

09/25/03: Listed as the 40th best player in his class. - PrepStars (Oettinger)

09/24/03: "This weekend Isaiah Swann spent some time at home with his family. He wanted to digest all the things he saw and was told during visits to both Florida State and Arizona. He cancelled his trip to Maryland to do this, so was he going to choose one of these schools??? "No, I just wanted to sort out my thoughts," said Swann, a 6-2, 180-pound guard. "After thinking about things I've made some decisions. I've decided to drop Maryland and Cincinnati from my list of schools. I don't want to keep them hanging, especially when I know I'm not that interested in them." - HoopMasters.com (4 to 1)

09/21/03: "Lefty combo G Isaiah Swann, who plays at Virginia's Hargrave Military Academy, recently visited Arizona and has become a prime target for the Wildcats. He also has been to Florida State and strongly is considering Cincinnati, UConn and Maryland." - Sporting News (DeCourcy)

09/19/03: "Things are changing with guard Isaiah Swann. For starters, his scheduled visit to Maryland has been nixed. Looks like the Terps are out of the picture. Cincinnati was at one time exceptionally strong but the Bearcats are now in a battle to get a visit. Florida State, according to a source, has really moved hard on him and is in great shape. Arizona is also strong. This is getting interesting." - InsidersHoops

09/17/03: "The future seems a little cloudy at this time. Will he reschedule his trip to Maryland? Will he ever travel to see Connecticut or Cincinnati? It appears that Swann doesn't have answers these questions. "I really don't know what will happen at this point," he added. "Right now I just want to go home this weekend and think things out." - HoopMasters.com

09/17/03: "Our Washington DC Area Editor Steve Turner tells us that. . . Florida State, Connecticut, and Arizona are now the schools to beat for 6'3 Isaiah Swann from Chatham (Hargrave Military) VA and that Louisville is still the leader for 6'9 Brian Johnson from Arlington (Bishop O'Connell) VA." - HoopScoop

09/16/03: "I had a good time down there. Coach Olsen is cool, the team is cool. They were showing me some love down there. Arizona showed me all of the posters of the guards they put into the NBA and they said I could be part of that,” Swann said. “That’s a lot to think about." Swann, who is currently rated 25th on the Rivals150, said Arizona, FSU and UConn are his top three schools. He will visit the Huskies on the 26th of September. His other visits to Maryland and Cincinnati are up in the air.

His hometown friend Davis Nwankwo was also on campus for a visit last weekend. Nwankwo told RivalsHoops that he would like to commit to Arizona right now. Swann said the discussed the idea of playing together in college. "We talked about it but as of right now I’m just going to think about everything," Swann said. "But I do have an idea of what I want to do." - RivalsHoops.com


09/16/03: "Isaiah Swann has visited both Florida State and Arizona and now he wants to take some time to reflect on those two schools. He will also decide whether or not to visit UConn or Cincinnati. Swann likes both FSU and the Wildcats and may be ready to choose between them if he decides not to take any more visits." - CatTracks.net (Arizona) (from 5 to 4)

09/12/03: "Isaiah Swann is in the midst of good tour and this weekend his travels take him to Tucson. Going with him Arizona will be Jeremis Smith and Davis Nwankwo who seems bound for the Pac-10 in some fashion." - InsidersHoops

09/11/03: "Jim Calhoun has been out and about representing the Huskies since the start of the visitation period. On Wednesday, the venerable UConn coach dropped by Hargrave Military Academy to visit and check up on Isaiah Swann. The guard returned from his Florida State visit last weekend." - InsidersHoops

09/07/03: "Five-star shooting guard Isaiah Swann and four-star power forward Charles Thomas made the trip to Tallahassee this past weekend. The two recruits toured the campus, met with the coaching staff, checked out the facilities and even got to take in Saturday night's football game. If Thomas commits to FSU there's a good chance that Swann, the RivalsHoops.com No. 6 rated shooting guard, might join him. "We talked about coming to Florida State and he was saying the same thing I was, that this is a good place to be," Thomas said." - Warchant.com (Fla State)

09/03/03: "Isaiah Swann (6-3, 190 CG) will be on (Arizona's) campus September 12-14th, along with 6-9, 235 forward Davis Nwankwo for their official visits. Swann is visiting Florida State this weekend, then Arizona, and will round out his trips with Maryland, UConn, and then Cincinnati. It will be a five-week whirlwind tour for the dynamic guard with outstanding offensive skill." - GoAZCats.com

08/26/03: Listed as the 29th best player in his class of 2004. - TheInsidersHoops.com

08/25/03: Listed as the 5th best 5th year player in his class. - HoopScoop

08/25/03: "I'm going to Florida State (9/5-9/7) first," said Swann, an athletic scoring guard from Chatham, VA Hargrave Military Academy. "The following weekend I'll go to Arizona (9/12-9/14). The weekend after that I'm going to Maryland (9/19-9/21). Then I think I'm going to Connecticut (9/26-9/28), and the last stop will be Cincinnati (10/3-10/5)." - HoopMasters.com

08/21/03: ". . . . .look at Hargrave’s roster. Isaiah Swann, a Top 30 prospect who played at Oak Hill last season, is the headliner of the group. 'Zeke' spent the summer honing his point guard skills and will probably find himself with the ball in his hands right from the start in Chatham. Keatts needs big things out of the ultra-athletic Swann. "Certainly I think Isaiah Swann can definitely be a guy you look at to be a leader," Keatts said. "He’s got a chance to be a McDonald’s All-American so that helps".
“We’re preparing guys for what’s to come in the college ranks. We definitely put an emphasis on academics and by the way, you’re going to play a little basketball. The main reason you go to a prep school is so you can get qualified academically. Athletics is last and definitely academics comes first. "If you don’t want to do it in the classroom you can’t play for me." James Thomas, (Bearcat) James White, those guys played for Hargrave in the past and Keatts has the kind of roster that is going to make some noise." - theinsidershoops.com

08/18/03: "Hargrave Military Academy guard Isaiah Thomas (I think he meant "Swann", not "Thomas" - ed) has settled on five schools to take official visits with. For five consecutive weekends, Swann hits the road starting with Florida State. Busy. That’s the only way to describe what the first month of school looks like for Hargrave guard Isaiah Swann. Beginning with Florida State and ending with Cincinnati the first weekend in October, Swann is set to make official visits.

The Seminoles get first crack at him on Sept. 6; the same day they bring Charles Thomas onto campus for a big weekend as the Terps roll into town for a football date. Arizona has him next for their football game with the Ducks. Maryland goes third as Swann gets to see the Terrapins football team for the second time when they battle the Mountaineers. The fourth visit goes to Connecticut and they don’t have a football game on that day so it’ll be all hoops, all weekend with the Huskies.

The fifth visit could be the big one. It goes to Cincinnati and they’ve been the behind-the-scenes team to beat and they have Southern Miss on the gridiron that weekend. By his own admission, Swann said that the Bearcats are the slight leader. "I guess so, I guess you can say that [they lead]. I guess you might as well say they’re my leader but Arizona and UConn are right there."

Landing Swann will probably take an exceptional effort on a number of fronts, but there are some areas that a school simply must be able to accommodate him at. "How much playing time I’m going to get? I want to come in, wherever I go, and I want to come in and make an impact as much as possible."

Swann’s master plan includes a stint in college and then onto the NBA to play the point. "I really want to do two [years] and out. If I can’t do that then I will do three. Anything I need to get there I’m going to do." - http://theinsidershoops.theinsiders.com/


08/08/03: "Isaiah Swann always wanted to go to Maryland, but that seems like a long-shot now. The former Magruder (Md.) High star, who played last season at Oak Hill Academy (Va.) and will suit up for Hargrave Military Academy (Va.) this season, now has Cincinnati as his clear-cut leader. "I think if I go there I can play the one," said the 6-2, 187-pound Swann. "That’ll help me get to the next level." Swann said he’s also considering Arizona, UConn, Florida State and Georgia. He has also tentatively set up a visit to FSU for the weekend of Sept. 6." - PrepStars.com

08/07/03: "Cincinnati continues to pursue outstanding 2G Isaiah Swann who has transferred from Oak Hill Academy to Hargrave Military Academy. Swann is also being recruited by Maryland, Arizona, and Connecticut, but Cincinnati hopes to capitalize on Swann's friendship with Florida transfer James White who is also originally from Gaithersburg, MD." - HoopMasters.com

08/06/03: "Cincinnati, which will have two additional scholarships available for the 2004-05 season, also is said to be highly interested in Isaiah Swann, a 6-foot-3 shooting guard out of Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia. Swann, who played at Oak Hill Academy in Virginia last season, is rated No. 22 nationally among class of 2004 prospects by Hoop Scoop. He is from Rockville, Md., the same hometown as UC sophomore swingman James White." - CincyPost.com

08/06/03: "The Hargrave guard is UC’s top target at this point; this much we know by the sheer number of games Huggins attended in July. Originally thought to be a shooting guard, Swann displayed a revamped ability to play the point this summer (we noted many times in our July updates how he was making positive steps in the position transition)." - Insiders Hoops

08/05/03: Listed as the 22nd best player in the country. - RivalsHoops.com

08/01/03: In the latest consensus ranking of 4 important recruiting services, Swann is 22nd in his class. - Mike Ryan

07/30/03: "Isaiah Swann said his list includes Cincinnati, Maryland, Arizona, Florida State, Connecticut and Georgia. Each school had someone on hand to watch him on Tuesday and we think Georgia and definitely Cincy had head coaches in the building. Playing time remains the top priority for Swann. He’ll take it at either the point or the two." - www.theInsidershoops.com

07/28/03: "Swann is interested in Cincinnati, Maryland, UConn, Arizona, Syracuse and Florida State and, according to Swann, all have offered. The process might come to a close sooner rather than later for Swann, who is leaning toward a mid-September decision. "I think that I can play both guards, but I expect that I will play point guard when I get there (college)," Swann said. "I love playing two (guard). Don't get me wrong, but I will definitely have to play the point in college." - PrepStars.com (4 to 5)

07/19/03: "Cincinnati is making the strongest push for 6'3 Isaiah Swann from Chatham (Hargrave Military) VA." - HoopScoop

07/18/03: "each of these mainstays from the senior class has a strong chance to make the McDonald's All-American team: . . . Isaiah Swann.

07/16/03: Bumped from 1 to 4 per tipster. - Mike Ryan
. . . .and then I found this. . .
07/16/03: "Cincinnati’s Bob Huggins was in the gym watching Isaiah Swann in the day. At night, assistant Andy Kennedy represented the Bearcats with assistants from Arizona and Maryland in the house. The inside word handicaps the Bearcats and the Terps as the schools to beat for Swann." - InsidersHoops.com

07/15/03: "Swann likes Cincinnati, Maryland, Arizona, Connecticut, Syracuse, and Georgia Tech" - HoopScoop

07/11/03: Listed as the 5th best player overall at the Nike Camp. - HoopScoop

07/09/03: Huggins watched Swann's game on Monday, per Insiders.

07/02/03: Listed as 30th best player in his class. - www.theInsidershoops.com

06/28/03: "Georgia, Georgia Tech, Maryland, Cincinnati, Connecticut, Kentucky and Clemson are his staple list of schools and a winner will emerge from the schools we’ve mentioned. But when? "I’ll start cutting it down in August," Swann said, "probably to five." He wants to take some visits and will be most interested in the schools that can get him time as a combo guard." - www.theInsidershoops.com

06/27/03: "Isaiah Swann's decision is getting harder. The 6-2 WG/PG, who's headed to Chatham (VA) Hargrave for a fifth year, has welcomed several new suitors into his recruitment. "Arizona, Virginia Tech and Georgia have all called, and they're new schools," Swann said. "I've also gotten calls from Maryland, Georgia Tech, UConn, Florida State, Cincinnati, Virginia, Kentucky and a few more. I'm wide open and there's no leader."

Swann has played excellent basketball the past week, elevating his game to new heights as he's drilling his three-point shot. When he's making his jump shot, Swann is on a par with the very best players at his position in the Class of 2004. Swann said that most schools are recruiting him as a combo guard for college, which is his preference. "I like to bring the ball up the floor like a point, but I also like to play off it and take it from the wing," he said. Swann's travel schedule includes a stop at the Nike Camp, as well as the Peach Jam, AAU Nationals and Super Showcase with the D.C. Blue Devils." - PrepStars.com (from 3 to Inactive)

06/23/03: Swann will play for the 'East' team at the U.S. Developmental Festival in Colo Springs June 25-29.

06/23/03: "This explosive wing has very little to prove, and his play Friday and Saturday was as good as any guard's in attendance. The bottom line is that when he shoots well from deep, few people can guard him, and it seems to ignite his whole game. His head to head matchup with Daniel Gibson in the playoffs was a classic; neither man could stop the other." - PrepStars.com

06/04/03: Jamar Butler will be attending the NBPA Top 100 Camp in Richmond, VA on June 17th - 22nd. Also attending will be Malik Hairston, Isaiah Swann and DeAaron Williams. - Mike Ryan

05/30/03: "a 6-foot-1, 193-pound shooting/combo guard from Gaithersburg, Md., said he expects to enroll at Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Va., next fall.

Swann, an athletic lefty guard, told us that Cincinnati and Maryland have emerged as the early leaders for his services. Both have offered him scholarships, as has the University of Virginia. "I like the way that Cincinnati plays," Swann said. "They score a lot of points and get up and down the floor," Swann said. "Maryland is the hometown team -- I love Maryland," he continued. "Juan Dixon was my favorite player, and ever since I was young, I wanted to go to Maryland. But they have a lot of good guards now, so I don't know."

Swann hasn't taken any official visits yet. He took the SAT for the first time on May 3 and recently finished up his school year at Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Va. As a junior with senior athletic eligibility, Swann needed to find a prep school to attend during the 2003-2004 school year.

Swann will compete at many of the top basketball events over the next two months. He will attend the NBA Players Association Camp, the USA Youth Development Festival and the Nike All-American Camp, plus attend several Nike or AAU sponsored events with the D.C. Blue Devils program." - RivalsHoops.com

05/26/03: "After a year at Oak Hill where he improved his academics and game, Swann has settled on Chatham (VA) Hargrave Academy as the school where he'll finish out his high school career. He has also been working on his school list and though he was once considered by many to be a near-lock for Maryland, his leader is a bit of a surprise. "I like Cincinnati, I like Maryland, of course, and I also like Virginia, Florida State, Georgia Tech and Syracuse," said Swann who has offers from Cincy, Maryland and UVa. "Cincinnati so far is leading, I just like the way they play. They get up and down the court and score a lot of points and really like to play hard."

Swann also indicated that he will be taking an unofficial visit to Cincy within the next few weeks, but a commitment isn't likely and he will probably wait until the fall before making a final decision." - PrepStars.com (1 to 3)

05/25/03: "Swann was a terror taking the ball to the hole against the Georgia Stars. The dreadlocked lane driver is an excellent ball handler and is built strong. The Stars had no answer for his slashing moves to the basket, and even Tim Morris struggled on both ends against the precocious sophomore. Swann is very fast, very quick, and very good. Nobody could keep him from getting to the rim once he made his decision to attack. In addition to his handle, Swann is a good shooter, a great passer, and has great hops." - VolBall.com

05/15/03: "At guard, the DC Blue Devils have Isaiah Swann, a high-scoring 6-0, 192-pounder who is the 24th-ranked player in the Class of 2004. Swann averaged 17 points for powerhouse Oak Hill Academy last season, but isn’t expected back at Oak Hill next season. Swann will be in his fifth-year of high school next year, and Oak Hill only accepts four-year players. Nonetheless, Swann has been receiving plenty of recruiting attention, and is currently favoring Maryland over Georgia Tech, Virginia, Arizona, Louisville, Florida, and Tennessee." - RivalsHoops

5/14: "(The Bearcats) also would be able to focus all of their attention on 6'3 Jr Jason Rich from Orlando (Dr. Phillips) FL and 6'2 Jr Isaiah Swann from Mouth of Wilson (Oak Hill) VA, who are the Bearcats' other top two priorities in the junior class, as they attempt to find a replacement for Tony Bobbitt and Field Williams, both of whom will graduate a year from now, at the 2-guard spot." - HoopScoop

5/14: Listed as 'High Honorable Mention' by PrepStars. This puts him as one of the best 60 players in the country, regardless of class ( ! )

5/5: Listed as the 24th best player in his class. - RivalsHoops.com

5/1: "Isaiah Swann had a productive weekend at the Kingwood Classic in Houston last weekend. The guard gave us a Top 5 list consisting of Maryland, Cincinnati, Georgia Tech, Connecticut and Virginia." - InsidersHoops.com

4/30: "First things first for Isaiah Swann. Prep school and then college. The Baltimore native, who spent last season at Oak Hill Academy (Va.), has trimmed his list of prep schools to a pair: Hargrave Military Academy (Va.) or Riverdale Baptist (Md.). "I want to be a little closer to home," Swann said. The 6-2, 190-pound Swann, who played at Rockville (MD) Magruder as a sophomore, averaged 17 points and four rebounds in his lone season under Steve Smith at Oak Hill.

Swann is one of the most athletic guards in the country and has a versatile offensive game which includes the ability to drive the lane and dunk over players much taller as well as knock down the outside shot. "I know I need to get better with the ball in my hands," Swann said. "Sometimes I'm too lazy. I've got to take pride in what I do."

Swann did say that his season at Oak Hill was beneficial in that he boosted his grades and also learned how to play defense. Swann also said that Maryland, which once was the only school that he considered, still is among the favorites. However, he also is considering Cincinnati, Virginia, Georgia Tech ‚ and would welcome interest from Texas and Syracuse. "I've opened my options to just about anybody," he said. "I really haven't narrowed it down." - PrepStars

4/10: Listed as the 7th best SG in his class. – Insiders Hoops

4/10: Swann’s DC Blue Devils AAU Team is listed as the best in the country. ". . . the Terps are also in pursuit of Swann" - PrepStars

3/30: Listed as the 7th best SG in his class. – Insiders Hoops

3/24/03: "Isaiah Swann, an explosive and offensive minded 6-0, 192 pound junior point guard from Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Va., won't be back to play for head coach Steve Smith next season. This is not expected. Swann would be in his fifth year and Oak Hill only accepts four-year students. But Smith enjoyed having Swann on the Oak Hill squad this season. "He's a great scorer," Smith said. "He averaged 17 points a game for us."

Swann is leaning toward the Maryland program. Swann has said he would like to take some visits before he decides. But Maryland may want to wrap this recruiting process up early. Swann has been fielding interest from Kentucky, Ohio State, Connecticut, and Pittsburgh.

What makes Swann so difficult to contain is the fact that he can create his own shot. The southpaw guard is blessed with a sneaky handle. Swann spent his first two high school campaigns at Magruder H.S. in Rockville, Md., prior to transferring into Oak Hill this fall. Last year at Magruder, Swann averaged 22 points, four rebounds, three assists and six steals per game. Georgia Tech, Virginia, Arizona, Louisville, Florida, and Tennessee are also listed by Swann but clearly Maryland is the school to beat." - RivalsHoops

March 2003: Listed as the 19th best player in his class. "Lefty. A leaper who loves to dunk. Excellent rebounding guard who possesses outstanding range on his jump shot." - Hoopmasters

2/26: "Playing with a loaded squad, Swann nevertheless hasn't deferred to his older teammates and has been one of Oak Hill's best players. The powerful lefty has a streaky, but very dangerous, three-point shot. He's also one of the most explosive leapers in the entire class. Many believe that Swann will choose Maryland for college." - PrepStars/USA Today

2/10/03: "Oak Hill Academy, under head coach Steve Smith, has had its share of great players. Though Oak Hill has dropped a couple of games this season, his team is still very talented. Among his best players is Isaiah Swann, an explosive and offensive minded 6-foot, 192-pound junior point guard. And Maryland appears to be in great shape with Swann. "They saw him play last week," Smith told us. "Maryland is definitely the leader, but he is very interested in some other schools." Other schools include Ohio State, Connecticut and Pittsburgh. Swann is averaging almost 17 points a game and has hit 62-of-154 from beyond the 3-point line. "He is very explosive," Smith said. "He can score from anywhere on the court." What makes Swann difficult to contain is his ability to create his own shot. The southpaw guard spent his first two high school campaigns at Magruder H.S. in Rockville, Md., prior to transferring into Oak Hill this fall. Last year at Magruder, Swann averaged 22 points, four rebounds, three assists and six steals per game. Swann has also indicated an interest in Georgia Tech, Virginia, Arizona, Louisville, Florida, Kentucky and Tennessee." – Sporting News

2/3/03: "JR Reynolds and his Oak Hill teammates were lucky to come out of the Slamfest with a win. They defeated a spunky Highland Springs team 56-55. Reynolds scored 16 in the victory. Isaiah Swann, a junior, hit the game-winner for Oak Hill and had 10 points and 7 rebounds." - Insiders Hoops

12/22/03: "Oak Hill's guards didn't shoot as well, but Williams and Swann each hit a pair of 3-pointers. Swann finished with 18 points and was named the Bill Bobier Challenge II Most Valuable Player. He scored 57 points in the three games." - LasVegas Review

12/11/02: Listed as the 23rd best player in his class. – RivalsHoops

10/25/02: "Shooters shoot. For that reason, it goes without saying that they miss too. Isaiah Swann can shoot and more importantly, he's one of the best scorers in the Class of 2004. Against Hargrave, his jumper wasn't there. But, he didn't let it affect his game. Swann kept firing away but unlike other outside marksmen with off games, his misses were masked because of the other things he contributed on the court. First of all, in looking at the accompanying shot chart, you'll notice a slew of misses in the paint. Most of them were short to mid-range jumpers. Most days, he drills those shots.

Swann did a great job of staying active. He recorded 10 rebounds from his guard position and four of them were offensive. He got himself in the paint and fought for rebounds and shots. What we liked about him more than anything was that he was following deep misses up with drives to the whole. Basically, he wisely recognized that if his jumper wasn't going down he needed to get himself on track in other ways. Fifteen points and 10 rebounds could easily have been 25 points. In conclusion, Swann's savvy and skills turned what could have been a bad overall game into a very impressive effort in which he was the sparkplug for his team's win." – Insiders Hoops

7/12/02: "Rising, figuratively and literally, is relatively unheralded Isaiah Swann, 6-2, from Magruder H.S. in Gaithersburg, Md. Swann showed finesse and power, using a hesitation-and-go move to knife through traffic for a game-winning layup, and exploding out of the pack to throw a few down. This lefty is a strong rising junior." – ESPN.com