Florida State University Athletics
Saturday, January 11
Clemson, SC
2:00 p.m.
Florida State
at
Clemson University
Swinton, Seminoles Set For Clemson On Saturday At 2:00 P.M.
1/10/2025 10:07:00 AM | Men's Basketball
CLEMSON, SC – AJ Swinton is a 6'6" freshman with a 7'2 wingspan who wears a size 18 basketball sneaker.
What really stands out isn't his size, it's the electric energy he brings to the court or his larger-than-life personality. Every time Swinton steps onto the court, he's full of life, radiating positivity, and firing up his teammates with his contagious enthusiasm.
Swinton has always been full of energy, a trait that has defined him since childhood and led him to basketball.
"I was a very energetic kid, so my parents put me in a whole bunch of different sports, basketball and football," said Swinton. "I fell in love with basketball because it wasn't too much contact, like football or hockey."
Swinton graduated from Bishop O'Connell High School in 2024, where he was a McDonald's All-American game nominee and helped his team achieve a top-15 national ranking during his senior season. Hailing from Cabin John, Md., Swinton developed into a highly sought-after recruit and became the first commitment of the 2024 Florida State recruiting class.
He carried his high-energy style into his collegiate career, and will help lead the Seminoles (11-4, 2-2 ACC) into their game at Clemson (12-4, 4-1 ACC) on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at Littlejohn Coliseum. The game is set for national television on ESPNU.
"I think just over time, I realized I have to show my energy in different ways," said Swinton. It's being able to direct my enthusiasm in a positive way to uplift my teammates. I try to show it on the bench if we hit a celebration, and just in general."
Whether on the bench or in the game, Swinton's positivity is undeniable. His radiant smile and contagious laugh are constant, and his presence energizes the entire team.
In addition to the enthusiasm he brings to the court, the Seminoles' coaching staff has also taken note of his defensive abilities which he has illustrated during the first 15 games of his career.
Against Syracuse on January 4, Swinton enjoyed a standout defensive performance in the Seminoles' victory over the Orange, earning a career-high with two steals.
His effort and energy caught the attention of Coach Hamilton, who praised him during the post-game press conference.
"A player that probably didn't have the greatest statistics but made a huge impact was AJ Swinton," said Hamilton. "His contests, his blocks, the energy that he played with when he went in was tremendous. Instead of switching to contain, he was switching to deny, and he got some deflections. We were able to keep up with their energy, put a little more pressure on them, and get some deflections and steals."
Hamilton and Swinton have built a strong bond during the newcomer's first season in Tallahassee.
"One thing I appreciate the most about Coach Hamilton is that he gives freedom," said Swinton. "I don't think many college coaches, from what I've seen, give the same type of freedom to his players that he gives. He's so in tune, and so in touch with players -- even if we have a bad practice, he'll still be able to joke around a little bit but still be on that serious note. My relationship with him is great. I can go talk to him anytime."
Swinton notes that because of the person Hamilton is even short talks turn into life-changing conversations.
"The minutes I spend with Coach Hamilton are always worth the time," said Swinton.
Swinton has also formed strong relationships with the veterans on the team, looking up to them for leadership and guidance.
"I looked up to Jamir when I first came here and when I first committed because he was a strong defender," said Swinton. "I've always looked up to him like an older brother. Chandler is another player I look up to. He's a third-year veteran and knows our system almost as well as the coaches."
Off the court, Swinton has found a great connection with his roommate, Taylor Bol Bowen.
"I can go to Taylor, my roommate, and talk and see him every day, always laughing, smiling," said Swinton. "He helps keep me happy, and after games, I go back to the apartments and chat with him on the couch. We just talk basketball"
Swinton's freshman year is off to a promising start. He's averaging 10 minutes played in each of the Seminoles' first 15 games.
His personality also resonates with Kevin Nickelberry, one of Florida State's assistant coaches.
"What makes AJ…AJ is no matter what ups and downs he has experienced in his life and his basketball journey, he has never lost his joy and appreciation for the game," said Nickelberry. "What first attracted me to AJ when I saw him at the 2023 Peach Jam on a big stage was that I thought he was one of the best 3 and D players in his class. You didn't have to run any plays for him, and he could still affect the game.
"He has the perfect demeanor to continue his basketball career for a long time. With more and more experience he continues to earn, we are going to see a huge jump in his statistics.
Swinton's energy, personality, and dedication make him not just a great teammate, but a rising star whose impact is felt far beyond the stat sheet.
What really stands out isn't his size, it's the electric energy he brings to the court or his larger-than-life personality. Every time Swinton steps onto the court, he's full of life, radiating positivity, and firing up his teammates with his contagious enthusiasm.
Swinton has always been full of energy, a trait that has defined him since childhood and led him to basketball.
"I was a very energetic kid, so my parents put me in a whole bunch of different sports, basketball and football," said Swinton. "I fell in love with basketball because it wasn't too much contact, like football or hockey."
Swinton graduated from Bishop O'Connell High School in 2024, where he was a McDonald's All-American game nominee and helped his team achieve a top-15 national ranking during his senior season. Hailing from Cabin John, Md., Swinton developed into a highly sought-after recruit and became the first commitment of the 2024 Florida State recruiting class.
He carried his high-energy style into his collegiate career, and will help lead the Seminoles (11-4, 2-2 ACC) into their game at Clemson (12-4, 4-1 ACC) on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at Littlejohn Coliseum. The game is set for national television on ESPNU.
"I think just over time, I realized I have to show my energy in different ways," said Swinton. It's being able to direct my enthusiasm in a positive way to uplift my teammates. I try to show it on the bench if we hit a celebration, and just in general."
Whether on the bench or in the game, Swinton's positivity is undeniable. His radiant smile and contagious laugh are constant, and his presence energizes the entire team.
In addition to the enthusiasm he brings to the court, the Seminoles' coaching staff has also taken note of his defensive abilities which he has illustrated during the first 15 games of his career.
Against Syracuse on January 4, Swinton enjoyed a standout defensive performance in the Seminoles' victory over the Orange, earning a career-high with two steals.
His effort and energy caught the attention of Coach Hamilton, who praised him during the post-game press conference.
"A player that probably didn't have the greatest statistics but made a huge impact was AJ Swinton," said Hamilton. "His contests, his blocks, the energy that he played with when he went in was tremendous. Instead of switching to contain, he was switching to deny, and he got some deflections. We were able to keep up with their energy, put a little more pressure on them, and get some deflections and steals."
Hamilton and Swinton have built a strong bond during the newcomer's first season in Tallahassee.
"One thing I appreciate the most about Coach Hamilton is that he gives freedom," said Swinton. "I don't think many college coaches, from what I've seen, give the same type of freedom to his players that he gives. He's so in tune, and so in touch with players -- even if we have a bad practice, he'll still be able to joke around a little bit but still be on that serious note. My relationship with him is great. I can go talk to him anytime."
Swinton notes that because of the person Hamilton is even short talks turn into life-changing conversations.
"The minutes I spend with Coach Hamilton are always worth the time," said Swinton.
Swinton has also formed strong relationships with the veterans on the team, looking up to them for leadership and guidance.
"I looked up to Jamir when I first came here and when I first committed because he was a strong defender," said Swinton. "I've always looked up to him like an older brother. Chandler is another player I look up to. He's a third-year veteran and knows our system almost as well as the coaches."
Off the court, Swinton has found a great connection with his roommate, Taylor Bol Bowen.
"I can go to Taylor, my roommate, and talk and see him every day, always laughing, smiling," said Swinton. "He helps keep me happy, and after games, I go back to the apartments and chat with him on the couch. We just talk basketball"
Swinton's freshman year is off to a promising start. He's averaging 10 minutes played in each of the Seminoles' first 15 games.
His personality also resonates with Kevin Nickelberry, one of Florida State's assistant coaches.
"What makes AJ…AJ is no matter what ups and downs he has experienced in his life and his basketball journey, he has never lost his joy and appreciation for the game," said Nickelberry. "What first attracted me to AJ when I saw him at the 2023 Peach Jam on a big stage was that I thought he was one of the best 3 and D players in his class. You didn't have to run any plays for him, and he could still affect the game.
"He has the perfect demeanor to continue his basketball career for a long time. With more and more experience he continues to earn, we are going to see a huge jump in his statistics.
Swinton's energy, personality, and dedication make him not just a great teammate, but a rising star whose impact is felt far beyond the stat sheet.
Players Mentioned
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