By LISA BURKE -- Ottawa Sun
It's a moment Shawn Swords won't soon forget.
Helping Canada's men's basketball team book a ticket to Sydney.
Now, the Ottawa native is hoping to add the 2000 Olympic Games to his chest of memories.
While Swords was a member of the national team that last year earned Canada the right to play in Sydney, it didn't mean an automatic spot on the roster that will compete for the red and white at the Games.
So in May, Swords joined 32 other hopefuls in their quest to make the final cut for the Sydney team. Now he's made it to the final 16 and is just waiting for the final word from coach Jay Triano.
The Olympic team is expected to be named this week.
"From the last couple of trips, I feel I've improved a lot," said Swords. "I'm getting more time than I expected and feel I've responded well to that playing time."
Last year, Swords averaged about nine minutes per game. This year, his playing time has grown to more than 15 minutes a game.
"I feel more comfortable as a player this year," admits Swords. "I feel a lot more confident and came in with the drive to help the team."
OFF TO FRANCE
Swords just completed a two-year contract with Basket Club Bancourt in the Swiss pro league. Recently, he signed a new deal to play in France starting this fall.
Last season, the 26-year-old Swords averaged 17.2 points and 4.7 rebounds per game in Switzerland. He feels his European experience has paid dividends in his Olympic quest.
"It's a job over there," says Swords.
"I think that aspect of it helped me improve as a player."
Swords brought that experience with him to camp and feels he can be an asset in Sydney.
"On and off the court, I'm very positive," says Swords. "I encourage the guys, even when I'm on the bench. I just can't be negative."
Swords feels he can be just as valuable on the floor.
"Defensively, I'm playing some of my best basketball. I don't hurt us," said Swords. "Offensively, I make good decisions. I don't turn the ball over and I can run the offence."
Playing with two Canadians now in the NBA, Steve Nash and Todd MacCulloch, has also helped Swords improve.
"You can't help but learn from being around those guys," added Swords.
Now, he'd like some final assurance that he'll join them in Sydney. "I'm just really anxious to get things going," he said.
THE SWORDS FILE
- Age: 26
- Home town: Ottawa
- Height: 6-foot-4
- Position: Guard
- Pro career: Averaged 17.2 ppg and 4.7 rpg for Basket Club Boncourt in Switzerland last season; Named to Swiss League all-star team in 1998-99; Played first pro season with Worthing Bears (England) in 1997-98
- University: Played at Laurentian University in Sudbury; Named all-Canadian in 1997; Two-time first team OUA East all-star; 1997 Laurentian athlete of the year
- Personal: Majored in economics; enjoys playing hockey and golf
