New Thunder recruit's JackJumpers ties key to signing for upcoming season

Story by Emily Clooney  The Advocate

Moving to Tasmania would be a daunting decision for many to make, but it was a no-brainer for the North West Thunder's newest import who already had ties to the state. American Seth Swalve will join the Coastal NBL1 South side for the upcoming season, which is set to begin on April 6. 
The 180 centimetre point guard came highly recommended, Thunder coach Sam Armstrong said, with former JackJumper and fan favourite Josh Magette a close friend.  "Josh played at the same [US] school as Seth and he came through the recommendation from him as well," Armstrong said.  "He's been mentored by Josh and they're really close friends. Seth will spend three or four weeks working with Josh before he heads out here.  It was the connection with Tassie on the whole [that got him here] and Seth is looking forward to getting out here."

The 26-year-old, who is currently playing in the United Kingdom with Hemel Storm, is a player who excited Armstrong who was eager to see his leadership in action.  "I think the point guard spot is really important because they are like the quarterback of your team," he said.  "I was really thorough in my search for the right guy with all the attributes we needed, and he really fits the mould.  He was very good and open in his level of communication about what he is trying to achieve, and he felt like the move to North-West Tassie was going to be the best for him.  The thing that led me most to Seth is that he's a winner by nature and right through his college career his team was really successful.  His leadership skills will be invaluable to our team."
Swalve has averaged 19.4 points, 5.3 assists, and 3.2 rebounds from his 12 games with the Storm this season.  He will be one of two new faces in the team this season, with the Thunder having signed former Sydney Kings development player Archie Woodhill in December.  The pair will join American Sekou Sylla, returning Coastal players Tre Armstrong, Ben Woolley, Cam Brown and Paul Campbell on the Thunder's list.
With the season right around the corner, Armstrong was eager to get the group together to ensure they would be ready by round one.  "The players will start to drip feed in here over the next two to six weeks, and hopefully we'll have Archie down in early to mid-February," he said.  "We're back on the floor with the local guys and we'll be able to keep building.  But once those players come in, we'll have important dates as a team so that we can build together."