The once unknown makes a statement on the court

The Flowery Branch transfer is making an impact as a Wildcat.

After a brief hiatus, you know Klapp had to hit the streets to see who was the latest suspect on the rise.  There was some talk of a fairly unknown transfer that was beginning to make some waves over at Dunwoody High School.  After checking things out, it was clear.  Zac Swansey was next.

The junior transfer from Flowery Branch has claimed a spot in the starting line up and is not disappointing.  Swansey plays with a quiet flare that will definitely pad the scorebook, but that’s only when you’re looking for the stats.  On the court, he is feisty, fearless in driving to the hoop, quick to stop, drop and pop and known to leave one off the backboard for a trailing teammate.  You know Klapp had to sit down with him and see what’s good with Zac “on a whole ‘nother level”.

Klapp:  Ok, Zac.  To start off, I know you transferred from Flowery Branch.  Is there any difference in the style of play?

Zac:  There are a lot of differences.  The intensity level is a lot better.  I get a lot more of playing, not just in the games, but also in practice by the intensity level.

Klapp:  So who is Zac Swansey?

Zac:  I’m just a kid that grew up in Flowery Branch, not really known, with it being a new school and everything until I hit the AAU circuit this year.  During the summer I got a few offers from UMass, Tennessee Tech, and Virginia.

Klapp:  Ok, so playing on the AAU circuit, who was the toughest player you had to go up against?

Zac:  Ummm…….We played against O.J. Mayo in a tournament in Chapel Hill and they beat us by like 15, so yeah, they got us.

Klapp:  So you played against one of the best?

Zac:  Yeah, probably THE best in the entire country, in the 2007 class especially.

Klapp:  Who would you say is one of the most influential people in your life?

Zac:  First of all, God, my parents, Ron and Cherlyn Swansey, and then my coaches.

Klapp:  So how long have you been playing ball?

Zac:  Ever since I was five years old.  I first started playing in little leagues, then middle school.  Then I started playing AAU ball in the sixth grade with Georgia Stars.

Klapp:  When you’re out on the court, do you play for the name on the front or the name on the back?

Zac:  I always play for the name on the front.  I feel like if I play for the name on the front, I’ll get mine.  I just feel that you can’t get what you want unless you play for the name on the front.

Klapp:  What do you do to improve your skill during the off season or even during the season?

Zac:  I’m the first one to practice and the last one to leave.  Always working on free throws and pull-up jumpshots.  I hit the weight too, in the off season.  Just trying to get stronger.

Klapp:  What is one of your most memorable moments playing ball?

Zac:  I’d have to say playing in an AAU tournament this year, I hit for 48 points and hit the game winning free throws with .6 seconds left to go in the game.

Klapp:  What’s your favorite food?

Zac:  Mexican.

Klapp:  Since Dunwoody has the And One contract, I have to throw it in there, but Nike, Reebok, Adidas, or And One?

Zac:  I have to go with Nike.

Klapp:  Nike?

Zac:  (laughs)  I mean, I like And One.  Well, after And One, I’d have to say Nike.

Klapp:  Momma’s boy or Daddy’s boy?

Zac:  Aw, man.  That’s a tough one.  I mean, I’m real close to both of them so it’s tough to call.

Klapp:  What do you do before a game to get yourself ready?

Zac:  I always try to get the gym about two hours before the game to get myself prepared.  I just try to go off by myself a little bit to get focused.

Klapp:  What’s in your cd player right now?

Zac:  Eminem.  I always listen to Eminem before a game.

Klapp:  Alright, man.  Thanks for kicking it with me.

Zac:  Alright, I appreciate it.

Off The Record:  Zac keep doing your thing.  You have another year ahead of you to add to that list of schools.  You have a great attitude and it’s evident you truly love the game.  Keep that love and you won’t have worries.  Stay dedicated, man.  And even though it was spur of the moment, it was a winner.  Feel me?  Be Easy.

Next Suspect?  Get at me…