Bozeman ChronicleBobcats land 7-foot recruit
By PETE DELMOE Chronicle Sports Writer
Seven-foot, 260-pound Michel Swita committed to the Montana State men’s basketball team Tuesday night.
Swita, who is a freshman at Northern Idaho College, will officially sign with the Bobcats in the spring and be on the team for next season. Swita redshirted last season at Fort Scott Community College in Kansas, so he will be able to play at MSU for three seasons.
Eastern Washington, the University of Hawaii and Texas Christian University recruited Swita, but after a visit to Bozeman this fall, Swita chose the Bobcats. Swita, who is from Paris, France, said MSU showed more interest than the other schools, which was a factor in his decision.
“I very much enjoyed it there,” Swita said of Bozeman. “I have a good feeling about it.”
Swita has played sparingly this year for Northern Idaho because of a right knee bruise. NIC coach Jared Phay said every time Swita plays he aggravates the injury more, so he has been shutdown until after Christmas.
Swita, like a lot of European big men, isn’t just a threat in the paint.
“He’s very skilled for a big man,” Phay said. “He shoots the ball well. He’s got a nice midrange jump shot.”
Swita could use some improving on his low post game, Phay said.
“He needs to get a little bit better with his back to the basket,” Phay said. “Be more of a on the block scorer.”
Phay said Swita is also a solid defender, especially given his size.
“He’s not a highflying shot blocker,” Phay said. “He’ll block some shots, but he’s more of a physical presence and he’s always in the right position. He’s got a pretty good understanding of how to defend.”
Swita, 22, played soccer for most of his life and didn’t start playing basketball until he was 16. Phay said because of his late introduction to the game and his size, Swita has a very high upside. He could use a little more time in the weight room, according to Phay.
“He’s been lifting pretty hard for us, but I think weights are something new to him,” he said. “He’s got the body, he’s got the frame, so it’s not like he’s getting pushed around, but I think if he can get a little bit stronger he’d be more explosive.”
The Bobcats signed 6-foot-9, 225-pound Jeff Budinich out of Maple Valley, Wash., during the November signing period. Since Swita didn’t commit until after the November signing period he will have to wait until the spring.
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Swita was the only JC who I believe we had in for a visit and/or offered this fall. I know there was another JC from Texas who we recruited out of high school who we were looking at seriously in late summer but he decided to sign / commit with a home town college. Swita I am told played some pick-up ball with team, and very much impressed the coaches, and the players. He is one of three big men we offered this fall, including Jeff Budinich (who we signed)and, Connor Osborne (who signed with N. Colorado), and were hoping to get a commit/signing during the early signing period. Since this commit is non-binding I would go so far as to say I would bet the coaches had wished that it was not announced even and let him sit under the radar til this spring.
He used to love to bring the ball down court, but he looked soooooo goofy doing it the crowd would just sh-reek every time he did. Truth be told, for a big man he was actually was not a bad ball handler - granted not in Domako's class - but better than most, But he looked so damn goofy. Greg I believe started out at MSU listed at 6-10, but by his senior year he was listed at 7'-0". Nice guy!
