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Closer Look Swift rejects Texas' path to regional semifinals
Posted: Sunday March 19, 2000 01:41 AM
By Phil Miller, Special to CNNSI.com SALT LAKE CITY -- Stromile Swift was born for this block. He was recruited for this block. He was coached for this block. So when Texas center Chris Mihm got the ball down low, pivoted left and elevated for a game-tying slam on Saturday, it was as much fate as Swift's arms and legs that turned Mihm away in spectacular fashion. "That was definitely the turning point," said LSU point guard Torris Bright. "Texas was looking a little down after that." The Tigers, on the other hand, were electrified. Swift's block, with just 1:55 remaining in a 62-60 game, sparked the decisive run that carried LSU to the Sweet 16 -- a level that former Tigers Shaquille O'Neal or Pete Maravich never reached. It was the lowest point in a day of low points for the sick and sorrowful Mihm, who fell ill with the flu one day after learning his grandmother died Tuesday. With Swift and LSU center Jabari Smith double-teaming the all-American all day, Mihm suffered through a 5-of-14 shooting performance and even missed 5 of his 8 free throws. "I couldn't find a way to put it in the basket all day," Mihm said. But when he got the ball in perfect position, the 7-foot Mihm was ready to forcefully put his frustrations away with an emphatic dunk. He turned to the basket, and was shocked to discover LSU's natural born shot-killer soaring above him. "I've seen Stromile Swift block several shots in timely moments, several that changed games," said LSU Coach John Brady. "That was something." The 6-foot-9 Swift was so high above the rim, he got part of the ball with his forearm. Even more amazing, the sophomore followed his swat by racing down court, taking a pinpoint pass from Bright and hitting the short jumper that gave fourth-seeded LSU its biggest lead to that point, 64-60. "I don't know if that was the turning point," said the soft-spoken sophomore. "I was just trying to play good defense and get us motivated a little bit. Maybe the block did that." Texas coach Rick Barnes had no doubt. "I've got to give Stromile credit for that. It was just a big-time play," Barnes said. "This time of year, there's a very fine line between winning and losing. One play can make a difference. ... Stromile made a big one." The block was memorable and startling, but, Brady said, also very predictable. He envisioned that play three years ago, when he was recruiting Swift out of Fair Park High in Shreveport. "A play like that is the coming together of coaching and recruiting. I can't coach a play like that. I recruited that block," Brady said. "I can teach a player to block out and get into position, but you have to recruit guys born with the ability and the athleticism to actually make that play. "And there ain't many." Phil Miller covers college basketball for the Salt Lake City Tribune.
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