From Jennifer Rizzotti to Sue Bird, the University of Connecticut has a long history of top-notch point guards. But that didnąt intimidate Columbus (Ga.) High Schooląs Ketia Swanier from signing with the Huskies in November, even after UConn Head Coach Geno Auriemma told her that she would have big shoes to fill.

"I think when Geno came down here and explained to her that when you come to Connecticut you have to have the (guts) to put a bull's-eye on your back, that's who Ketia is," Swanierąs AAU coach, Mike Green of the Georgia Magic, told the Connecticut Post. "She didn't want it easy. She wants to earn it and she wants to be the best there is. That's the way she practices. That's the way she thinks. That's the way her mom and dad have brought her up, and that's the girl that has been in my program and that's what she's given us the last six years she's played with us."

Green also raved about Swanierąs skills to the Hartford Courant. "She's a superior ballhandler and one of the fastest girls with the ball you're ever going to find. She's going to be extremely entertaining. She's a wizard with the ball. She's one of the most honorable, respectful kids you'll find."

During her October visit to UConn, she conveyed her impressions to the Hartford Courant. "I liked the intensity on the floor, the coaching style," Swanier said . "Everybody gives 100 percent. I like the way [the players] talk. I like all that stuff. It looks like they have fun together. Why would you want to go somewhere where they don't get along? It looked like they have a lot of fun."

Swanier considered Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, Clemson and Old Dominion before signing Letter of Intent with the Huskies. "I took a couple of days," she told the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer in November. "The first day I didn't think about anything. It was a difficult decision in a way. But I got the feeling that is I wanted to go.

"I enjoyed everything. I enjoyed the players and the coaches. I thought about what would be best for me basketball and academic wise."

Swanier, rated No. 23 by the Blue Star recruiting service and a Street & Smith fifth-team All-American, averaged 23.2 points, 6.3 assists, 5.8 rebounds and 8.5 steals as junior.

Article written by Gball Associate Editor Jim Catalano.

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