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A Swift Benson connection
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| From left, Kay, Robert and Don Swift. (Photo courtesy of Don Swift.) |
CHRIS DABOVICH
News-Sun
Benson residents Don and Kay Swift can be found most evenings during the National Basketball Association season perched before their television set, but not to cheer the local Phoenix Suns. The Swifts follow the Seattle Supersonics religiously - and for good reason.
Their grandson, Robert Swift, is the starting center for the Sonics, and is quickly making a name for himself among the NBA's big men.
The couple beams with pride when discussing their grandson's prowess on the hardwood. At America West Arena Jan. 22, the Swifts, donning their Robert Swift T-shirts, watched from the edge of their seats, as the Sonics defeated the host Phoenix Suns 152-149 in a thrilling double-overtime affair.
Robert Swift, at 7 feet tall, scored 15 points for Seattle, including a pivotal 15-foot baseline jumper late in the game that put the Supersonics up by a point.
"This is great," said Don Swift. "He's worked his tail off to get to this point. It's great to see him to do what he loves to do"
Robert Swift, 20, is actually learning on the job. He skipped college ball and is in his second year with the Sonics, who drafted him with the 12th pick in the first round of the 2004 draft out of Bakersfield High School.
He saw limited action in his rookie season but has made a splash in recent weeks in what may well become his breakout season.
"Every game I get just a little bit more confidence, a little more understanding of the game," a Sonics' Web site quotes him as saying. "It gets a little bit easier every game and a lot more fun."
In Phoenix he was obviously pleased to have his grandparents in attendance.
Kay Swift is equally enthused.
"You should have seen me the first time I was watching on TV," she said. "I was screaming, I was on the floor, I was too excited."
She must have hit the roof Saturday night when Robert Swift scored 14 points including a pair of power slams that showed up on NBA highlight reels, a pair of blocks and steals for his first double-double of his young career.
Perhaps Bruce Swift, Robert's father, said it best when describing his son's career.
"Exciting," he responded when asked what it was like to see his son on the floor.
The greatest big men in the game have become league icons and synonymous when speaking about the NBA.
It may well be that Robert Swift could become a name equally mentioned in those circles in the not-too-distant future. Kay and Don Swift no doubt will be watching.
News-Sun
Benson residents Don and Kay Swift can be found most evenings during the National Basketball Association season perched before their television set, but not to cheer the local Phoenix Suns. The Swifts follow the Seattle Supersonics religiously - and for good reason.
Their grandson, Robert Swift, is the starting center for the Sonics, and is quickly making a name for himself among the NBA's big men.
The couple beams with pride when discussing their grandson's prowess on the hardwood. At America West Arena Jan. 22, the Swifts, donning their Robert Swift T-shirts, watched from the edge of their seats, as the Sonics defeated the host Phoenix Suns 152-149 in a thrilling double-overtime affair.
Robert Swift, at 7 feet tall, scored 15 points for Seattle, including a pivotal 15-foot baseline jumper late in the game that put the Supersonics up by a point.
"This is great," said Don Swift. "He's worked his tail off to get to this point. It's great to see him to do what he loves to do"
Robert Swift, 20, is actually learning on the job. He skipped college ball and is in his second year with the Sonics, who drafted him with the 12th pick in the first round of the 2004 draft out of Bakersfield High School.
He saw limited action in his rookie season but has made a splash in recent weeks in what may well become his breakout season.
"Every game I get just a little bit more confidence, a little more understanding of the game," a Sonics' Web site quotes him as saying. "It gets a little bit easier every game and a lot more fun."
In Phoenix he was obviously pleased to have his grandparents in attendance.
Kay Swift is equally enthused.
"You should have seen me the first time I was watching on TV," she said. "I was screaming, I was on the floor, I was too excited."
She must have hit the roof Saturday night when Robert Swift scored 14 points including a pair of power slams that showed up on NBA highlight reels, a pair of blocks and steals for his first double-double of his young career.
Perhaps Bruce Swift, Robert's father, said it best when describing his son's career.
"Exciting," he responded when asked what it was like to see his son on the floor.
The greatest big men in the game have become league icons and synonymous when speaking about the NBA.
It may well be that Robert Swift could become a name equally mentioned in those circles in the not-too-distant future. Kay and Don Swift no doubt will be watching.
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