Cal Poly hoopster heads overseas

Austin Swift, who led Cal Poly Pomona to its first NCAA Championship title this past season, has signed a two-year contract to play basketball with BC Vrijednosnice Osijek Darda in the A1 Croatian League.

“It’s a dream come true to become a professional basketball player,” said Swift, who was a two-time All-CCAA guard and an honorable mention All-American this past season. “I’m excited and thrilled to have an opportunity to make a living at what I love doing, and to play overseas will be an added thrill.”

Swift, a native of Santa Cruz, was the Most Valuable Player in the national tournament. He led his team in scoring (13.3) assists (3.3) and steals (1.1) per game for the season, but played at his best during the Broncos’ NCAA run. He led CPP in its six-game run, averaging 17.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game as CPP went on to set 20 school records during its historic season.

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Broncos bring home national championship

For a year the Cal Poly Pomona men’s basketball team had to live with the heartbreak that comes with losing a national championship game in the most dramatic way possible. But the Broncos now have happier memories.

Coach Greg Kamansky’s team was in control from start to finish and defeated Indiana (Penn,) 65-53 in the NCAA Divison II national championship game in Springfield, Mass. on Saturday morning. It was the first title in men’s basketball but the 14th for the school, the most being five in women’s basketball.

Last year the Broncos suffered a 56-53 loss to unbeaten Findlay (Ohio) on a 3-pointer at the buzzer in overtime. But they took no chances and led wire to wire this time. The Broncos were up by 14 in the first half and 17 in the second. The Crimson Hawks didn’t get closer than eight and that was in the last minute of the game, That’s total control.

Austin Swift was named tournament MVP. That was a no-brainer with the way he played in the post-season. He had 12 points and six rebounds in the title tilt. But as usual the Broncos got contributions from everyone. Dahir Nasser also played a steady, heady game and was named to the All-Tournament team

Donnelle Booker and Tobias Jahn chipped in with 13 and 10 respectively. Jahn was MIA much of the year with injuries but he showed up big time when the Broncos most needed him.

The team will return home on Sunday with their Southwest flight due in at LAX around noon. 

 

 

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