All of Hoosier nation almost fell in love with transfer junior forward Freddie McSwain during his first offensive possession in an IU uniform.
The 6-foot-6 transfer from Neosho County Community College snuck into the lane as freshman forward De’Ron Davis put up a shot down in the post while being double teamed. Davis’ shot didn’t touch iron, but McSwain took one step inside the restricted area and went up for the two-handed put back.
His dunk attempt was unsuccessful but drew a collective gasp from the Assembly Hall crowd in what would have been the first highlight in his reel as a Hoosier.
“It was just a fantastic game,” McSwain said. “I just wanted to get my feet wet, basically, just get used to the game and the tempo and just playing with the group of guys in the locker room. It was just a great opportunity to just be on the court again.”
After having offseason knee surgery, McSwain made his IU debut against Bellarmine in the final exhibition game.
The missed put-back slam was his only shot attempt of the night as he finished with one point coming from the free throw line. However, he showcased his strength and leaping ability by snatching eight rebounds in just eight minutes.
IU Coach Tom Crean said McSwain’s playing time is still very limited as he recovers from knee surgery and is playing every other day. Last Saturday just so happened to be a day that he could go.
Originally Crean said the transfer’s return date would be the season opener against Kansas, but as he eases into going full speed not much should be expected from McSwain.
“‘Rusty’ would be a key, definitive statement for him right now. He’s missed so much time,” Crean said. “Again, when I tell you he hasn’t been up-and-down until this week, and it was every other day, that’s not easy. I mean, that’s not easy at all.”
McSwain will be key for the Hoosiers off the bench once he gets healthy. Crean said he’s got a high motor but the confidence level isn’t quite there yet because of all the time he’s missed from injury.
He has the ability to make the big play and could make up for the production that IU lost from former forward Troy Williams in the high-energy department.
The good thing for McSwain is he doesn’t have to produce right away. With sophomore forwards Thomas Bryant, OG Anunoby and Juwan Morgan playing at a high level, the transfer forward can ease into the system.
Bryant said he believes once the 215-pound McSwain gets healthy, he will be a large part of the defense moving forward as the year progresses.
“Freddie brings a lot to the team,” Bryant said. “Being able to switch, even how quick, fast and strong he is, he can be on key guys that can help us out a lot, and it really helps with all of us out there.”
