Cole Alexander Swider Bio
Cole Alexander Swider, born on May 8, 1999, in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, is an American professional basketball player currently playing for Anadolu Efes in the Basketbol Süper Ligi and EuroLeague. He played college basketball for the Villanova Wildcats and Syracuse Orange before beginning his professional career in 2022.
Early Life and Background
Swider grew up in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, and attended St. Andrew’s School in Barrington, Rhode Island. During his junior year of high school, he was named the Rhode Island Gatorade Player of the Year after averaging 26.5 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.9 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. He improved further in his senior season, averaging 31 points per game, which established him as a four-star recruit.
Swider committed to Villanova University for college basketball, choosing the Wildcats over offers from Syracuse, Xavier, and Duke. His early exposure to competitive basketball in Rhode Island and his high school achievements laid a strong foundation for his collegiate career.
Path to Basketball
Swider began his college basketball career at Villanova, where he played from 2018 to 2021. He appeared in 31 games during his sophomore season, starting 15, and averaged 6.1 points and 2.9 rebounds per game. In his junior year, he played all 25 games, averaging 5.7 points and 2.8 rebounds. After this season, he entered the NCAA transfer portal.
Swider transferred to Syracuse University for his senior year, becoming the Orange’s starting power forward. He significantly increased his production, averaging 13.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. Following this strong senior season, he declared for the 2022 NBA draft and hired an agent, marking the transition to his professional career.
Cole Swider Career
Early Career (2022–2023)
After going undrafted in the 2022 NBA draft, Swider signed a two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers on July 1, 2022. He split his time between the Lakers and their NBA G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. Swider also participated in the 2022 NBA Summer League, where he scored thirteen points, six rebounds, and a block in his debut game against the Miami Heat.
During the 2022–2023 season, Swider developed his professional skills with South Bay Lakers, gaining valuable experience in the G League. However, he was waived by the Los Angeles Lakers on July 26, 2023, as he continued to seek opportunities to establish himself in the NBA.
Miami Heat and Sioux Falls Skyforce Era (2023–2024)
On August 11, 2023, Swider signed with the Miami Heat, and his contract was converted to a two-way deal on October 21, 2023. He played for the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the Heat’s G League affiliate, during this period, continuing to refine his game and contribute at the professional level.
Detroit Pistons and Motor City Cruise Era (2024–2025)
Swider signed with the Indiana Pacers on August 8, 2024, but was waived in October. Shortly after, he signed a two-way contract with the Detroit Pistons and played for their G League affiliate, the Motor City Cruise. He was waived by the Pistons on January 6, 2025, but remained active in the G League.
Toronto Raptors and Anadolu Efes Era (2025–Present)
In March 2025, Swider signed a 10-day contract with the Toronto Raptors and subsequently re-signed for the remainder of the season. He appeared in eight games, averaging 7.4 points and 3.1 rebounds. On April 10, 2025, he was waived by the Raptors. Later that year, on August 11, 2025, Swider signed with Anadolu Efes, a prominent Turkish team competing in the Basketbol Süper Ligi and EuroLeague, marking his first professional contract overseas.
Driving Style and Strengths
Swider plays primarily as a power forward and small forward. Standing 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 220 pounds, he combines size with scoring ability. His collegiate and professional experience highlight his versatility on the court, with strengths in shooting and rebounding. His adaptability has allowed him to contribute effectively in various team roles.
Notable Events and Milestones
Swider earned recognition by participating in the 2024 NBA G League Next Up Game, showcasing his rising profile in the league. His journey from undrafted player to signing with multiple NBA teams and eventually joining a top European club reflects his perseverance and growth.
Cole Swider Career Wins
While specific individual awards and championships are not documented, Swider’s career highlights include his steady progression through college basketball, his participation in the NBA G League Next Up Game in 2024, and his contracts with NBA teams and Anadolu Efes.
College Highlights
Swider’s collegiate career is marked by his transfer from Villanova to Syracuse, where he became a key starter and significantly improved his statistics. His senior year at Syracuse was a breakout season, averaging nearly 14 points and close to 7 rebounds per game, which helped elevate his draft prospects.
Professional Highlights
Professionally, Swider has played for several NBA G League teams, including the South Bay Lakers, Sioux Falls Skyforce, and Motor City Cruise. His brief tenure with the Toronto Raptors in 2025 included notable performances averaging over seven points per game. His signing with Anadolu Efes represents a major step in his career.
Cole Swider Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
There is no publicly available verified information regarding Swider’s family background or any athletic lineage.
Personal Life
Details about Swider’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly documented.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season saw Swider transition from the NBA G League and short-term NBA contracts to signing with Anadolu Efes. His time with the Toronto Raptors included eight games with solid contributions. Moving to Anadolu Efes positions him to compete at a high level in European basketball, offering new opportunities for growth and exposure in the Basketbol Süper Ligi and EuroLeague.
Swider’s career trajectory demonstrates adaptability and resilience, with the 2025 season marking a pivotal point as he expands his professional experience internationally.