4-star 2024 AJ Swinton has four schools standing out
AJ Swinton is now the No. 69 player in the updated 2024 On3 150. The 6-foot-5 wing finished with a 46.1 true shooting percentage for the Nike 16u Peach Jam champions Team Takeover this summer.
“I feel like I’m best in transition, attacking a basket, ” Swinton told On3. “I’m able to make reads for others, especially out the post, and I definitely think I can a great rebounder and defender. I watch a lot of Miles Bridges because of the way he uses his explosion to produce.”
The four-star transferred this summer to Mouth of Wilson (VA) Oak Hill Academy. On3 caught up with AJ Swinton after a recent workout to talk about his recruitment.
“I would say I’m definitely hearing the most from Ohio State as of right now,” Swinton said. “Penn State and Pittsburgh, those three for sure. Virginia Tech too. I’m working for an official with Virginia Tech.”
Swinton talks recruitment
Ohio State: “It’s just the way they play. You know, they’re fast paced and they play a seven-second rule. So once they get the ball across half-court, they try to score in those seven seconds. Plus, they’re very defensive-oriented, and almost every one of their players can play one through five, basically. Versatile and positionless.
Virginia Tech: “I feel like it’s a brotherhood there. You know, it’s family there. The way they play is very structured. So, you know, pass, cut screen, everybody’s gonna touch the ball. You might not score a lot, but everybody’s gonna score and help the team win in some sort of way.
Obviously, Coach (Mike) Jones is my old head coach at DeMatha. I was teammates with Rodney (Rice), and I know Darius (Maddox), and Darren Buchanan. I know all of them, Big Pat (Wessler). So they would definitely play a big factor if I went there.”
Penn State: “They have a newer coach and he doesn’t play around. It’s like a family there too, and it’s a young core of players. I feel good about them. We’ve been talking, and working on an unofficial visit.”
Pittsburgh: “How can I describe this, there’s something special there. I talked to the coaches a good bit and some of the players. It’s definitely something special. The players talk about the way the coaches sit down with their players one on one and just say, What’s up? They’re very understanding and check in on them day to day.”
“Pittsburgh and Ohio State haven’t offered yet, hopefully soon,” Swinton said. “I’ve been in contact with Texas and Miami a little bit too.”
In Swinton’s words
“I want to go somewhere I can live,” Swinton said. “You know, you’re living on campus, so a good living environment. A great coaching staff, great students, not just, you know, athletes, just great students as well, people I can get along with. I like making friends. I like talking to people. So obviously, you know, somewhere I can be me.
Obviously, I want a school with a high development rate. I want t be able to develop my game to the next level, you know? I haven’t really been able to play guard much. So, in my junior year, I’m trying to prove something, showing people I can handle the ball, dish it off, and look for others. I want a school that’s gonna allow me to work for others and work for myself.”
On3’s take
AJ Swinton has a sturdy and lengthy wing. He has played predominantly in the paint at a younger age and is expanding out to the perimeter. The early returns on the jump shot are positive; he has a smooth form with a repeatable release. Swinton is also good in straight lines; he will need to continue working on counter moves off the bounce. He has a good burst at the rim, and there is upside as a switchable defender and good rebounder for his size. With the success of tweener forwards who can shoot and switch in the college game, there is clarity for his player archetype.