FSU basketball lands first 2024 commit, blue-chip SF AJ Swinton

I wrote a few days ago, about how FSU basketball had zero commits in its 2024 recruiting class. That’s no longer the case for Leonard Hamilton.

Blue-chip small forward AJ Swinton announced his commitment to the Noles Thursday afternoon via his Twitter account.

Swinton hails from Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington, Virginia.
He lists at 6’5″ and 180 pounds, with offers from Maryland, Virginia Tech, Georgetown, and West Virginia, among others.

He ranks as the No. 133 player and the No. 29 small forward. He ranks as the No. 7 player in Virginia.

Interestingly enough, FSU was the last school to offer him a scholarship less than a month ago. Virginia Tech was the first P5 program to offer in December 2021, and he committed there in February 2023. However, that was short-lived as he de-committed in April 2023, receiving offers from West Virginia and FSU afterward.

What Was Said by Phenom Hoops:

"“Swinton was the best player for Oak Hill on this night, as the 6’5 prospect really showed that he can make an impact in a variety of ways on the floor.  Swinton is a smooth, confident shot-maker from multiple levels, knocking down multiple threes from all over but also showing his mid-range shot as well.  With his size and frame, he can really be a load to guard.  He is a multi-level scorer but also has bounce with his game, finishing with power and flare at the rim.  Swinton can really make his presence felt on both ends, whether it is scoring as well as defending as well. He holds multiple offers already.”"

Swinton isn’t the caliber of Scottie Barnes or Matther Cleveland rankings-wise, but it’s good to see Leonard Hamilton attract a player of this caliber with questions surrounding the program. He’s a player that can do a lot of things on the court, similar to a young version of Terrance Mann type.

Check out the highlight video below:

Many of the top programs nationally already have at least 2-3 commits in their class. I’m sure Leonard Hamilton has dealt with rumors of him retiring or the health of the program over the last few seasons.

This lone commit places the Noles No. 35 nationally, and they only signed one prep player last recruiting cycle, along with three players from the transfer portal. It’s a different world than when FSU started landing elite players a few years ago. Here’s to hoping this is the beginning of some good fortune for FSU basketball.