Cole Swider Bio
Cole Alexander Swider, born on May 8, 1999, in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, is an American professional basketball player. Standing 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 220 pounds, Swider plays the power forward and small forward positions. He currently competes for Anadolu Efes in the Basketbol Süper Ligi (BSL) and the EuroLeague, wearing jersey number 21. Swider began his professional career in 2022 after going undrafted in the 2022 NBA draft and has since played for multiple NBA G League affiliates along with a stint with the Toronto Raptors.
A former four-star high school recruit, Swider built his reputation on perimeter shooting and versatility. He played college basketball at Villanova before transferring to Syracuse, where he emerged as a starter. Since turning professional, he has earned recognition including selection to the NBA G League Next Up Game in 2024.
Early Life and Background
Swider grew up in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, a small coastal town that helped shape his early athletic development. He attended St. Andrew’s School in Barrington, Rhode Island, where he quickly established himself as one of the top high school players in the region. As a junior, he was named the Rhode Island Gatorade Player of the Year after posting impressive averages of 26.5 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.9 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game.
During his senior season, Swider averaged 31 points per game, cementing his status as a four-star recruit. His shooting range, scoring instincts, and rebounding ability drew attention from several major college basketball programs. After weighing his options, he chose to commit to Villanova over offers from Syracuse, Xavier, and Duke. That decision launched his path toward major collegiate competition.
Path to Basketball
Swider joined the Villanova Wildcats in 2018 and quickly worked his way into the rotation. By his sophomore season, he appeared in 31 games and started 15, averaging 6.1 points and 2.9 rebounds per contest. In his junior year, he played in all 25 of Villanova’s games and contributed 5.7 points and 2.8 rebounds per game, showing steady growth within a competitive Big East program.
Following that season, Swider entered the NCAA transfer portal to seek a larger role. He transferred to Syracuse, where he became the Orange’s starting power forward. In his lone season with Syracuse, he averaged 13.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, demonstrating the scoring and playmaking skills that had marked his high school career. After the season ended, he announced he would enter the 2022 NBA draft and hire an agent.
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. The agreement allowed him to split time between the Lakers and their NBA G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. He joined the Lakers’ 2022 NBA Summer League roster and made an immediate impression in his debut, recording thirteen points, six rebounds, and a block in a 100–66 win against the Miami Heat.
His time in the Lakers organization provided valuable professional experience and exposure. However, on July 26, 2023, Swider was waived by the Lakers, ending his tenure with the franchise. During this developmental period, he focused on refining his shooting mechanics and adjusting to the speed of the professional game.
NBA G League Journey (2023–2024)
On August 11, 2023, Swider signed with the Miami Heat, and his deal was converted into a two-way contract on October 21 of the same year. He spent the 2023–2024 season with the Sioux Falls Skyforce, Miami’s G League affiliate. His performance during this stretch helped him earn selection to the NBA G League Next Up Game in 2024, an honor recognizing top emerging talent in the league.
The Next Up Game selection highlighted his growth as a scorer and his ability to contribute at a high level within the G League. It also marked one of the most significant achievements of his early professional career, drawing broader attention to his perimeter shooting and versatile forward play.
Detroit Pistons and Return to South Bay (2024–2025)
On August 8, 2024, Swider signed with the Indiana Pacers, but he was waived on October 18. Three days later, on October 21, he signed a two-way contract with the Detroit Pistons. He appeared with the Motor City Cruise, Detroit’s G League affiliate, before being waived by the Pistons on January 6, 2025.
On February 19, 2025, Swider was acquired by the South Bay Lakers via a trade with the Motor City Cruise. The very next day, he delivered a season-high 36 points in a 123–112 loss against the Rip City Remix, showcasing the offensive capability that had defined his career. His scoring outburst underlined his potential as a consistent perimeter threat.
Toronto Raptors (2025)
On March 26, 2025, Swider signed a 10-day contract with the Toronto Raptors, marking his first NBA call-up. He performed well enough that on April 5, he re-signed with Toronto for the remainder of the season. In eight games for the Raptors, he averaged 7.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 0.3 assists, providing frontcourt depth and shooting. On April 10, 2025, he was waived by Toronto.
Anadolu Efes Era (2025–Present)
On August 11, 2025, Swider signed with the Turkish club Anadolu Efes of the Basketbol Süper Ligi and the EuroLeague. The move represented a significant step in his career, taking his game to one of Europe’s most storied basketball programs. With Anadolu Efes, he has the opportunity to compete at the highest level of European basketball and contribute to the team’s ambitions in both the BSL and EuroLeague.
Driving Style and Strengths
Cole Swider’s game is built around perimeter shooting, floor spacing, and rebounding from the forward positions. His length and shooting touch allow him to stretch defenses, while his rebounding instincts make him effective on both ends of the floor. His ability to play both power forward and small forward gives coaches lineup flexibility.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Swider’s professional career came when he was selected to the NBA G League Next Up Game in 2024, affirming his place among the top emerging talents in the league. His 36-point performance against the Rip City Remix in February 2025 stood as a season high and demonstrated his scoring ceiling. His brief NBA stint with the Toronto Raptors in 2025 further validated his development.
Cole Swider Career Wins
While Cole Swider has yet to capture a major professional championship, his career is marked by consistent production and notable individual achievements across multiple teams and leagues. His selection to the NBA G League Next Up Game in 2024 and his NBA debut with the Toronto Raptors in 2025 represent significant milestones in his ongoing professional journey.
NBA G League Highlights
Swider’s time in the NBA G League featured standout scoring performances, including his 36-point effort against the Rip City Remix in February 2025. Across stints with the South Bay Lakers, Sioux Falls Skyforce, and Motor City Cruise, he demonstrated a reliable shooting touch and the ability to contribute as a primary scorer.
Other Performances
In addition to his G League work, Swider gained Summer League experience with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2022, where he posted thirteen points, six rebounds, and a block in his debut. He has also competed at the collegiate level for Villanova and Syracuse, earning a starting role and averaging double figures with the Orange.
Cole Swider Family
Family Background and Basketball Lineage
Cole Swider grew up in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, where he developed his basketball skills from a young age. He attended St. Andrew’s School in Barrington, Rhode Island, and emerged as one of the most decorated high school players in the state, earning Gatorade Player of the Year honors. His upbringing in a supportive New England community played a key role in his athletic development.
Personal Life
Swider maintains a focus on his professional basketball career, which has taken him from Rhode Island to various NBA organizations and, most recently, to Turkey with Anadolu Efes. Public details about his personal relationships remain limited.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 calendar year proved transformative for Cole Swider. After beginning the season with the Motor City Cruise, he was traded to the South Bay Lakers in February and immediately delivered a 36-point performance against the Rip City Remix. His scoring surge drew the attention of NBA scouts and front offices, leading to a 10-day contract with the Toronto Raptors on March 26, 2025.
With Toronto, Swider appeared in eight games and averaged 7.4 points and 3.1 rebounds, proving he could contribute at the NBA level. Although he was waived on April 10, the experience provided valuable exposure and validated his development path.
On August 11, 2025, Swider signed with Anadolu Efes, opening a new chapter in his career within the BSL and EuroLeague. Looking ahead, he is positioned to compete for meaningful minutes with one of Europe’s premier basketball programs, where his shooting and versatility figure to play a central role in the team’s success.