Fresno State Athletics
No Place Like Home
1/12/2001 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Dec. 28, 2000
FRESNO, Calif. - There is no doubt that playing in front of a hometown crowd can affect the outcome of a game. When a player's spirits and game can reach a higher level simply by feeding off of the screams, taunts and incessant clapping of fans, there is no denying the fact that a crowd is more than a large group of people. It was this support from the hometown fans of Fresno that persuaded senior forward Shannon Swillis back to the confines of Fresno State last year.
The 6-7, 221-pound inside force returned to Fresno for a couple of reasons. For starters Swillis would be able to reunite with former teammates Chris Jefferies and Demetrius Porter. "I was happy to return." Swillis stated. "Meechie was here, Chris was coming back, so my best friends were here playing." The second reason was being able to play in front of the crowd that supported him before his college career began. "Coming back home, I am able to play in front of a lot of fans. There is a lot of family support and the kind of support that I had at Bullard High School." After reviewing Swillis' high school statistics sheet one can see just how influential a supportive crowd can be. The high school standout posted impressive numbers in four important categories. As a junior in 1995, he averaged 17 points, nine rebounds, five assists and three blocks. In 1996, his senior year, Swillis maintained his 17 points per game, averaged eight boards and added another outstanding statistic with 1.5 blocks per game.
The two memorable seasons garnered Swillis with some impressive honors. In his senior year, Swillis was named the Northwest Yosemite League Co-Most Valuable Player and All-Central Section first team, the Long Beach Press-Telegram named him to the Best in the West first team selection and finally, he found himself ranked No. 74 in Bluechip Illustrated. His statistical prowess enabled him to sign early with the University of Southern California in 1995. With numbers like those listed above, there can be no misunderstanding about the impact of fan support and the subsequent return of Swillis.
While at USC, Swillis continued to play well. After sitting out in his first season with a medical redshirt, a result of a broken bone in his right foot, Swillis jumped into the 1997-98 season and made an immediate impact. As a freshman, he led the team and ranked second in the Pac-10 in blocked shots with 41. He managed a career-high 13 points, nine rebounds, three assists and three steals versus Tennessee. His performance that season was good enough to earn him an All-Freshman Pac-10 honorable mention and a team Most Improved Award. In 1998-99 Swillis had an unexpected drop in statistical categories. He played in only 15 games for the Trojans and averaged 1.1 points and 1.3 rebounds. Swillis' lack of playing time and inadequate sophomore performance was enough for him to make the decision to return to his roots in Fresno by playing for Fresno State.
After sitting out in 1999-2000 in order to fulfill NCAA transfer requirements, Swillis has hit the hardwood this season with a vengeance. His return is just what the basketball program needed. With former Bulldog Larry Abney graduated, head coach Jerry Tarkanian needed to fill a role that would sorely be missed. But it wasn't Swillis' ability to rebound that attracted Tarkanian. "Shannon is not the same type of power forward as Larry Abney" Tarkanian said. "He's not a pure rebounder but he is a better scorer." Swillis is well aware of his role this season. "I play hard." Swillis said. "My role is to rebound, but I haven't been able to rebound, so I am just trying to do the little things like getting on the floor to get loose balls and other little things that don't show up on the statistical sheet. I don't shoot as much as I sometimes ought to, or as much as the fans would like. That's just the way I play."
With his blue-collar approach to the game, Swillis unknowingly encourages the hometown crowd to cheer on. The gratuitous applause of the fans pulsates the arena to empower Swillis and his teammates, pushing them towards greatness. And as Swillis stands before the crowd, listening to the screams, taunts, and incessant clapping he is reminded of the reason for his return - the fans.
