Seattle's pick: '7-foot kid with a lot of class'

SEATTLE (AP) — Robert Swift, less than a month out of high school, chose the NBA over college basketball because he felt it would mold him into a better player in a shorter span.

”It's where I wanted to be, where I wanted to end up playing,” Swift said Monday. ”If I start at a younger age, hopefully I'll have more time to become the player I always wanted to be.”

The Seattle SuperSonics hosted a news conference for their first-round choice in last week's draft, the 12th overall selection. They gushed over the potential they see in the gangly 7-footer from Bakersfield, Calif.

”He's a confident young man. He really believes in himself,” coach Nate McMillan said. ”He knows he's got a long way to go, but he's eager to be in the NBA, to move to the highest level of basketball.”

The 18-year-old Swift was good-natured but clearly nervous as he faced reporters.

Swift had committed to play at USC. He was considered one of the top five high school centers in the country last season, averaging 18.8 points, 15.9 rebounds and 6.2 blocked shots a game.

McMillan was impressed after seeing videotape of Swift challenging other standouts like No. 1 overall draft choice Dwight Howard during high school All-Star games.

Swift claims to embrace the gritty elements of interior play.

”I love to play the post,” he said. ”I like to get down and try to score on a guy, try to make something happen. If that doesn't happen, hopefully you go back and grab a rebound or block a shot.”

The Sonics went into the draft willing to trade their first-round pick for a veteran player, but no deals developed. Unable to land a college player capable of breaking into the rotation next year, they chose Swift.

”Robert was the guy who we felt had the most upside,” McMillan said.

Team officials delightedly confirmed Swift is a legitimate 7-footer. The Sonics selected him without an opportunity to interview him or watch him play up close because he opted out of individual pre-draft workouts.

”His measurements today were 7-foot in his stocking feet, 7-1 in his shoes,” general manager Rick Sund reported.

Swift weighed in at 244 pounds, and it's clear he needs to bulk up before he'll be effective banging under the basket against the likes of Shaquille O'Neal or Kevin Garnett.

”I'm hoping to get into the weight room, do what I can do to get ready for the season,” Swift said.

By the most optimistic forecasts, Swift isn't expected to help the Sonics until his second or third NBA season. Still, team officials are thrilled about his promising range of talent.

”His footwork is great and he plays with his hands up,” McMillan said. ”There are all of those little, subtle things you want your player to know. His instincts are real good.”

Swift will spend a week in Seattle, familiarizing himself with the city and the organization. Later, he'll attend a summer camp that is popular with veteran NBA players and then begin weight training programs.

His parents, Bruce and Rhonda, attended the news conference. They'll probably log plenty of travel time between Bakersfield and Seattle next season, but it's just a two-hour flight from Los Angeles.

”That was one of the first things I thought of,” Swift said. ”It's going to be great for my family. My dad loves coming to my games.”

Swift will work closely with Jack Sikma, a seven-time NBA All-Star who now is Seattle's special assignments coach. In fact, he went through a morning workout with Sikma, shooting and practicing post moves.

”I'm just really happy with what I saw,” McMillan said. ”He's a 7-foot kid with a lot of class, a kid who's hungry to get himself immersed with professional basketball.”