We’ve caught Jared Swopshire in Big Ten action a couple of times on TV this season, recognizing that familiar loping down court, pleased to see him playing a leading role for a change.
But not for long. His rocky college basketball career is done.
The former University of Louisville player, who transferred to Northwestern this season, underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on Tuesday and will miss the remainder of the season. He suffered an injury to the knee during the second half of a game at Iowa over the weekend.
Swopshire started 24 games this season, averaging 9.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. His average of 7.5 rebounds per contest in Big Ten play currently ranks fifth in the league. The overall norm of 6.7 rebounds per game marks the highest average by a Northwestern player since Evan Eschmeyer averaged 10.1 per contest during the 1998-99 season.
Quite a boost from his senior season at UofL last year when Swopshire averaged 3.3 points and 2.8 rebounds. He was sidelined for the 2010-11 season with a groin injury.
One of the true good guys. We were lucky to have him, and his basketball skills, at U of L.
I liked him when he played at Louisville,and I wish him all the luck in his future.
Northwestern alum and long time season ticket holder here. Swopshire was a pleasure to follow this year for the Wildcats (NU not UK variety). Our coach, Bill Carmody, runs the Princeton offense and it took Jared about half of the season to adjust to it. Once he did, he was a huge contributor to our hoops team. Its an equal opportunity, team oriented scheme and he was more than happy to fit in. Our team (which has never made the NCAA tournament) has been decimated by injuries this year and due to Jared’s knee injury will not likely make the NIT. I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting him but he seems like a great kid. I know the other players on the team loved having him here. Nice job of helping mold a terrific young man U of L. Best of luck to the Cardinals.
Always seemed like a nice young man. It’s a shame that he didn’t get to finish out his last year. At least he can say that he played in a Final Four game, losing to the eventual national champion. I hope in time that he has mostly fond feelings for his time at UofL. I’m sure we all wish him well on his chosen career path.