We now know the rumors to be true: Caleb Swanigan has decommitted from Tom Izzo and Michigan State according to ESPN’s Jeff Goodman.
Swanigan’s level of commitment to the Spartans had been in question in recent days because of the fact that his Letter of Intent remained unsigned weeks after his decision. The five-star center was going to join a crowded front court in East Lansing, which featured seasoned big men in Matt Costello and Gavin Schilling. The Spartans also have five-star power forward Deyonta Davis — who was on the same AAU team as Swanigan — set to join MSU this upcoming fall. Swanigan, for whatever real reason, made his decision, which is his right.
That said, Caleb Swanigan will soon be making a decision as to where he will play basketball next season. What teams — other than Michigan State — are in the mix?
The Favorites
Purdue Boilermakers- The reasons for Swanigan-to-Purdue seem insignificant and reaches, but the Boilermakers seem to have the edge on the rest of the field.
Michigan State commit Caleb Swanigan has decommitted, source told ESPN. Hearing Purdue is strong for a landing spot.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) May 7, 2015
Swanigan’s legal guardian Roosevelt Barnes was a Purdue football player in his college days, and Swanigan has grown up in the same state, so location could be a factor. The front court is as crowded as Michigan State’s, though. Senior A.J. Hammons (7’2″) is back and undoubtedly will start next year. 7’2″ sophomore Isaac Haas will also be back, and should stick around for four years. More information on Purdue’s appeal should come out soon. As for now, the reason they’re the leaders is quite a mystery.
Update: In recent days, talk that Swanigan will want to play the power forward position in college has been the given reason for Swanigan to end up at Purdue. He has some range on his shot, which can include the three on a good day. That said, Swanigan does his best work inside, so it is still a weird reasoning. If Swanigan is looking far into the future, playing the four would help his professional game, as he would most likely have to be able to step outside in the NBA.
California Golden Bears- Three weeks ago, California had the college basketball world by storm. They had Ivan Rabb in the bag, and rumors of five-star small forward Jaylen Brown and Swanigan joining him were the talk of the recruiting world. Swanigan committed to Michigan State; Brown to Cal. Many thought the possibility of the trio was dead, but reports say Swanigan has already contacted Cal coaches.
Per a source close to the team Swanigan is in contact with Cal coaches today.
— lindsay (@lindzcatharine) May 7, 2015
Cal would offer Swanigan plenty of playing time, and the chance to play alongside Brown and Rabb. It seems as though Rabb and Swanigan’s game could compliment each other’s very well, and that could be an interesting reason for Swanigan. It is also known that Barnes is close to Cal’s head coach Cuonzo Martin, which could sway Swanigan’s decision. A minor problem for the Golden Bears is the lack of scholarship room for the season, but they could make it happen.
The Dark Horses
Arizona Wildcats- Swanigan had a little flirtation with Arizona over the winter, and the Wildcats would not push him away. They could use the kind of rebounding and inside-outside punch Swanigan could provide, especially on the offensive end, where the Wildcats have struggled with in recent seasons. That said, there are no strong indicators of Swanigan going to Arizona.
Kentucky Wildcats- Swanigan and Kentucky never became a thing, but that just means there are no wounds to heal. John Calipari is looking to add some late 2015 talent, where he only has Skal Labissiere, Isaiah Briscoe, and Charles Matthews. After losing seven players to the draft, Coach Cal might go pull some strings to get Swanigan to Lexington, where playing time is aplenty.
Duke Blue Devils- Wouldn’t this be wild? Duke and Swanigan had interest in each other over the last year, but it never materialized. Duke has Chase Jeter, Luke Kennard, Derryck Thornton, and Brandon Ingram in the 2015 class, and all of them are quality players. Swanigan would have a spot to play, and could make for a special season for Duke. The Blue Devils would automatically be the favorites to win it all next year.
