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Possibility of Swanigan staying another year?

dwhitebash11

Redshirt Freshman
Oct 15, 2011
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I know this has been discussed numerous times already this year, and I've said that he's 100% gone... but the more I think of it (unless it's the Purdue homer in me), the more I'm leaning slightly towards him staying his junior year. Hear me out?

-Biggie is doing great academically, making me wonder if he can graduate in 3 years with a Bachelors.

-He is listed on almost every mock draft I've seen, as a late 1st - early 2nd round draft pick. I know he wants a career playing basketball no matter where it is, but he WANTS the NBA more, which could play against this whole possibility.

-We return our ENTIRE team minus Spike who gets minutes, and those are very limited.

-We would be a top 5-10 team entering the year with another great guard in Eastern joining us, along with Wheeler, Haarms, and even a possible healthy Taylor.

-His draft status probably won't budge either way, but with his work ethic, I believe he would only be better than he is now, becoming less turnover prone and just a man among boys dominating in every aspect.


So lets weigh the pros and cons for Biggie.

Exhibit A:
-Get a degree that will get him a nice living with or without basketball
-Make about the same money you would be making, probably more, only a year after.
-Win NPOY
-Compete for the FF as a strong favorite
-Do something even more special for Purdue

Or

Exhibit B:
-Go to the NBA and make about the same money you would the year following minus the degree.




Guys please tell me I'm not losing my mind! Does Caleb Swanigan look more and more like the guy who chooses exhibit A over exhibit B? I know the chances are slim still, but his attitude, work ethic, post game comments, seem to be leaning that way more and more.
 
I know this has been discussed numerous times already this year, and I've said that he's 100% gone... but the more I think of it (unless it's the Purdue homer in me), the more I'm leaning slightly towards him staying his junior year. Hear me out?

-Biggie is doing great academically, making me wonder if he can graduate in 3 years with a Bachelors.

-He is listed on almost every mock draft I've seen, as a late 1st - early 2nd round draft pick. I know he wants a career playing basketball no matter where it is, but he WANTS the NBA more, which could play against this whole possibility.

-We return our ENTIRE team minus Spike who gets minutes, and those are very limited.

-We would be a top 5-10 team entering the year with another great guard in Eastern joining us, along with Wheeler, Haarms, and even a possible healthy Taylor.

-His draft status probably won't budge either way, but with his work ethic, I believe he would only be better than he is now, becoming less turnover prone and just a man among boys dominating in every aspect.


So lets weigh the pros and cons for Biggie.

Exhibit A:
-Get a degree that will get him a nice living with or without basketball
-Make about the same money you would be making, probably more, only a year after.
-Win NPOY
-Compete for the FF as a strong favorite
-Do something even more special for Purdue

Or

Exhibit B:
-Go to the NBA and make about the same money you would the year following minus the degree.




Guys please tell me I'm not losing my mind! Does Caleb Swanigan look more and more like the guy who chooses exhibit A over exhibit B? I know the chances are slim still, but his attitude, work ethic, post game comments, seem to be leaning that way more and more.

Let's hope we keep playing and the chips will fall where they fall. Nobody on here knows anything more than a guess, whether one deems more logical or not.
 
I know this has been discussed numerous times already this year, and I've said that he's 100% gone... but the more I think of it (unless it's the Purdue homer in me), the more I'm leaning slightly towards him staying his junior year. Hear me out?

-Biggie is doing great academically, making me wonder if he can graduate in 3 years with a Bachelors.

-He is listed on almost every mock draft I've seen, as a late 1st - early 2nd round draft pick. I know he wants a career playing basketball no matter where it is, but he WANTS the NBA more, which could play against this whole possibility.

-We return our ENTIRE team minus Spike who gets minutes, and those are very limited.

-We would be a top 5-10 team entering the year with another great guard in Eastern joining us, along with Wheeler, Haarms, and even a possible healthy Taylor.

-His draft status probably won't budge either way, but with his work ethic, I believe he would only be better than he is now, becoming less turnover prone and just a man among boys dominating in every aspect.


So lets weigh the pros and cons for Biggie.

Exhibit A:
-Get a degree that will get him a nice living with or without basketball
-Make about the same money you would be making, probably more, only a year after.
-Win NPOY
-Compete for the FF as a strong favorite
-Do something even more special for Purdue

Or

Exhibit B:
-Go to the NBA and make about the same money you would the year following minus the degree.




Guys please tell me I'm not losing my mind! Does Caleb Swanigan look more and more like the guy who chooses exhibit A over exhibit B? I know the chances are slim still, but his attitude, work ethic, post game comments, seem to be leaning that way more and more.
I think he comes back. His game really doesn't translate to the NBA

He lacks foot speed to play forward and doesn't have the size to play center
 
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Or Exhibit C:
Biggie comes back and gets hurt..........

I wish you were right, but I don't think he can improve any more than he already has.......the timing is right. But I like your version better. PU would be absolutely loaded next year!
 
I know this has been discussed numerous times already this year, and I've said that he's 100% gone... but the more I think of it (unless it's the Purdue homer in me), the more I'm leaning slightly towards him staying his junior year. Hear me out?

-Biggie is doing great academically, making me wonder if he can graduate in 3 years with a Bachelors.

-He is listed on almost every mock draft I've seen, as a late 1st - early 2nd round draft pick. I know he wants a career playing basketball no matter where it is, but he WANTS the NBA more, which could play against this whole possibility.

-We return our ENTIRE team minus Spike who gets minutes, and those are very limited.

-We would be a top 5-10 team entering the year with another great guard in Eastern joining us, along with Wheeler, Haarms, and even a possible healthy Taylor.

-His draft status probably won't budge either way, but with his work ethic, I believe he would only be better than he is now, becoming less turnover prone and just a man among boys dominating in every aspect.


So lets weigh the pros and cons for Biggie.

Exhibit A:
-Get a degree that will get him a nice living with or without basketball
-Make about the same money you would be making, probably more, only a year after.
-Win NPOY
-Compete for the FF as a strong favorite
-Do something even more special for Purdue

Or

Exhibit B:
-Go to the NBA and make about the same money you would the year following minus the degree.




Guys please tell me I'm not losing my mind! Does Caleb Swanigan look more and more like the guy who chooses exhibit A over exhibit B? I know the chances are slim still, but his attitude, work ethic, post game comments, seem to be leaning that way more and more.
The degree means nothing. He can get that anytime. And since Rosie is worth $14 million, finances won't be a factor.

Another BIG down side to staying is not starting his NBA free agency clock. The 2nd contract is the Biggie. :)
 
It's nice to think about but you are better off presuming he is gone. If Painter didn't think so he wouldn't be shopping his scholarship to all the bigs he can find.
 
I think it would be a mistake to stay. Juniors and Seniors always seems to be far down the lost on a draft day.

Josh Hart, Frank Mason III both late 2nd rounders.
 
For Purdue's sake, I want Swanigan to return

For Swanigan's sake, I want him to go

The young man has given us so much, so let's reciprocate by rising above whatever greed/selfishness/neediness that makes us want to hold on to him, and instead send him on his way with full blessings

But even after he leaves, its not the end between Swanigan and Purdue if we see one or more of the following happening:

- Engaging Swanigan after he has left, so he has a relationship with us the way Brees and Hummel did. A partnership between Purdue and him can do so much in terms of social good, and nurturing basketball talent

- His attitude surely must have rubbed off on this team. I look to our four junior's to have a really special season next year channeling that indomitable attitude. Also really happy to have underclassmen like Cline, Carsen, Taylor, Haarms to have spent some time with him, and carry that fire for the rest of their career

- Purdue was already a top destination for bigs with NBA aspirations. Swanigan should push that reputation to the next level
 
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I know this has been discussed numerous times already this year, and I've said that he's 100% gone... but the more I think of it (unless it's the Purdue homer in me), the more I'm leaning slightly towards him staying his junior year. Hear me out?

-Biggie is doing great academically, making me wonder if he can graduate in 3 years with a Bachelors.

-He is listed on almost every mock draft I've seen, as a late 1st - early 2nd round draft pick. I know he wants a career playing basketball no matter where it is, but he WANTS the NBA more, which could play against this whole possibility.

-We return our ENTIRE team minus Spike who gets minutes, and those are very limited.

-We would be a top 5-10 team entering the year with another great guard in Eastern joining us, along with Wheeler, Haarms, and even a possible healthy Taylor.

-His draft status probably won't budge either way, but with his work ethic, I believe he would only be better than he is now, becoming less turnover prone and just a man among boys dominating in every aspect.


So lets weigh the pros and cons for Biggie.

Exhibit A:
-Get a degree that will get him a nice living with or without basketball
-Make about the same money you would be making, probably more, only a year after.
-Win NPOY
-Compete for the FF as a strong favorite
-Do something even more special for Purdue

Or

Exhibit B:
-Go to the NBA and make about the same money you would the year following minus the degree.




Guys please tell me I'm not losing my mind! Does Caleb Swanigan look more and more like the guy who chooses exhibit A over exhibit B? I know the chances are slim still, but his attitude, work ethic, post game comments, seem to be leaning that way more and more.
In a word, "No."
 
I know this has been discussed numerous times already this year, and I've said that he's 100% gone... but the more I think of it (unless it's the Purdue homer in me), the more I'm leaning slightly towards him staying his junior year. Hear me out?

-Biggie is doing great academically, making me wonder if he can graduate in 3 years with a Bachelors.

-He is listed on almost every mock draft I've seen, as a late 1st - early 2nd round draft pick. I know he wants a career playing basketball no matter where it is, but he WANTS the NBA more, which could play against this whole possibility.

-We return our ENTIRE team minus Spike who gets minutes, and those are very limited.

-We would be a top 5-10 team entering the year with another great guard in Eastern joining us, along with Wheeler, Haarms, and even a possible healthy Taylor.

-His draft status probably won't budge either way, but with his work ethic, I believe he would only be better than he is now, becoming less turnover prone and just a man among boys dominating in every aspect.


So lets weigh the pros and cons for Biggie.

Exhibit A:
-Get a degree that will get him a nice living with or without basketball
-Make about the same money you would be making, probably more, only a year after.
-Win NPOY
-Compete for the FF as a strong favorite
-Do something even more special for Purdue

Or

Exhibit B:
-Go to the NBA and make about the same money you would the year following minus the degree.




Guys please tell me I'm not losing my mind! Does Caleb Swanigan look more and more like the guy who chooses exhibit A over exhibit B? I know the chances are slim still, but his attitude, work ethic, post game comments, seem to be leaning that way more and more.
Let's put it another way and in the form of a question: If your son had the same talent level, and had the same career as Swanigan has had at Purdue, would you honestly advise him to come back and risk injury, or would you tell him to go make a huge living playing a game with guaranteed money?
 
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I think he is gone but as i have said before...He isn't quick enough for his size...He could not guard Burton from Iowa state. And in the NBA there are guys bigger and quicker than Burton..
 
Whatever he chooses, I just hope he is happy with the decision. If he were to stay the anticipation for next year would be off the charts! Perhaps it will depend on how this year turns out. If we somehow win it all, the NBA will be there with open arms and plenty of green.
 
Whatever he chooses, I just hope he is happy with the decision. If he were to stay the anticipation for next year would be off the charts! Perhaps it will depend on how this year turns out. If we somehow win it all, the NBA will be there with open arms and plenty of green.
If Purdue wins, Swanigan won't be the only Boiler being courted by the NBA. There will be at least one more, and for PU to get there, Haas has to have an awesome final three games.
 
as I look at his draft potential, I do not see anything from staying in college another year to increase it. There is no guarantee this group next year will be a final 4 or championship team if he stays. our 85% Ft shooters will still probably miss their crunch time fts.

his biggest marks against him going into the draft are that his height is about 2 inches short to play power forward, and his feet need to be faster. Neither of those two things ae going to change by coming back next year.

There was a PF from Duke about 5-10 years ago who stayed for his senior year and had a great year but watched his draft stock plummet as NBA teams would rather draft an unknown Euro guy than a known 4 year Duke star. He ended up having a pretty good NBA career, but I believe he slipped to the second round solely because the NBA scouts had seen too much of him play.

I look at UW's Hayes. Last year he was ranked as a high second round pick. He decided to stay another year and hope his stock improved. Now, he's doubtful to be drafted.

I'm also reminded of the original Big Dog. He left when he was at the top and nothing further to prove. He also finished his degree several years later.

But lastly, I am reminded of Illinois Senator Paul Simon (not the singer). He went to college to be a journalist. At the end of his junior year, he got a Summer job / internship working for a Chicago newspaper. and that was what he went to college for. When they offered him a permanent job, rather than going back to college for another year and get a degree, he said to himself, this is the job I went to college for, and I got it. I don't need additional schooling to have my dream job. And so it is with Biggie. Biggie went to Purdue to get a job. His job is in the NBA. He doesn't need another year of college to get that dream job.

Ask yourself, why did you go to Purdue? If a company offered you your dream job after your junior year, would you say no, I want to get my degree first and attend more frat parties and risk losing that dream job to somebody else? or would you take the job, and get a degree later? I went to Purdue as a 17 year old computer science major. I completed that degree when I was 40. There's always plenty of time to get a degree. Biggie needs to pursue his dream job. There's a vacancy and internship awaiting him on the Bucks, Bulls and Pacers.
 
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He needs to go and he can't risk staying and getting hurt or missing his window of opportunity.

Like everyone else I wish in a dream world he would stay and make us top 5 team and true contender for a Final 4 next year, but that would be selfish and because he has given us so much, it is his turn to do what he needs to do to follow his dreams and path to make his life complete.

Either way I will say thank you to him and wish him well for choosing to be a Boilermaker and part of our family.

Boiler Up!
 
Let's put it another way and in the form of a question: If your son had the same talent level, and had the same career as Swanigan has had at Purdue, would you honestly advise him to come back and risk injury, or would you tell him to go make a huge living playing a game with guaranteed money?

Honestly? It's a no brainer for me. Stay one more year and get the degree. Let's use that injury topic another way.


If staying one extra year risks injury and his draft stock, what happens is he gets drafted in 2nd round, gets hurt, and never gets signed? What does he have? At least it's he stays an extra year, he has that degree to fall back on for making a comfortable living. And someone like him growing up the way he did, why wouldn't you want a guarantee backup plan, and all it takes is one extra year?


Only difference in scenarios is that Roosevelt Barnes is a multi millionaire, so going back to college in 10 years may be a little easier for him than with a normal middle class family.
 
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He will be a first round pick. Best thing for Purdue is for Biggie to explode in the NBA and to be on Painters speed-dial for chats with recruits a la Draymond/Izzo.
 
0% chance he comes back next year even if his game doesn't translate to the NBA. Staying another year will gain him nothing as this year he's proven everything he can. If the NBA still doesn't work, he can make a hell of a good living playing in over seas still. But either way, he's going pro after this year.
 
Love Caleb, his effort and style. Go Pro!
Injuries aside, you strike while the iron is hot, and it is hot right now!
End of message.
 
I know this has been discussed numerous times already this year, and I've said that he's 100% gone... but the more I think of it (unless it's the Purdue homer in me), the more I'm leaning slightly towards him staying his junior year. Hear me out?

-Biggie is doing great academically, making me wonder if he can graduate in 3 years with a Bachelors.

-He is listed on almost every mock draft I've seen, as a late 1st - early 2nd round draft pick. I know he wants a career playing basketball no matter where it is, but he WANTS the NBA more, which could play against this whole possibility.

-We return our ENTIRE team minus Spike who gets minutes, and those are very limited.

-We would be a top 5-10 team entering the year with another great guard in Eastern joining us, along with Wheeler, Haarms, and even a possible healthy Taylor.

-His draft status probably won't budge either way, but with his work ethic, I believe he would only be better than he is now, becoming less turnover prone and just a man among boys dominating in every aspect.


So lets weigh the pros and cons for Biggie.

Exhibit A:
-Get a degree that will get him a nice living with or without basketball
-Make about the same money you would be making, probably more, only a year after.
-Win NPOY
-Compete for the FF as a strong favorite
-Do something even more special for Purdue

Or

Exhibit B:
-Go to the NBA and make about the same money you would the year following minus the degree.




Guys please tell me I'm not losing my mind! Does Caleb Swanigan look more and more like the guy who chooses exhibit A over exhibit B? I know the chances are slim still, but his attitude, work ethic, post game comments, seem to be leaning that way more and more.
If he is a first round lock, GO. If he is an iffy first round pick, then it is complicated, SEE Glenn Robinson III. 2nd round pick, toiled around a bit before finding a fit for him.
 
As hard as Biggie works, I wouldn't say that his stock will never be higher - it might very well be higher next year. But at the same time it is probably high enough now to make the move and go pro at the end of the year. I think the 1st round selection is almost a certainty. Also, Wolegib, although you made some good points please do not compare Biggie to N. Hayes, that is an insult to Biggie.
 
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I think he's going it is pathetic though that some of the recent mock drafts don't have him as a first rounder. I think he would fit in the Spurs system perfectly so I'm hoping he gets picked late first round to a great organization and get his guaranteed contract.
 
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As hard as Biggie works, I wouldn't say that his stock will never be higher - it might very well be higher next year. But at the same time it is probably high enough now to make the move and go pro at the end of the year. I think the 1st round selection is almost a certainty. Also, Wolegib, although you made some good points please do not compare Biggie to N. Hayes, that is an insult to Biggie.
As hard as he works, he has accelerated his development much quicker than a typical 19 year old. This was his 'jump' year. His outside shot is there now. He isn't turning the ball over as much and is sharing the ball. But he has probably topped out on athleticism. He has been working relentlessly on that body for years. What's left is mostly genetics.
 
Regarding the allure of coming back to a Top 5 team, I don't really think Swanigan is having the fun that the rest of us are. He's a winner and a hard-worker but he doesn't seem to be enjoying the ride very much if you judge by his postgame comments. Even Painter said something at a recent postgame press conference after a very calm, vanilla Swanigan response like, "Come on Biggie that's all you're going to give us?!" That is particularly funny coming from CMP because he's usually one I would point to as not stopping to smell the roses. Swanigan takes it to a whole other level though. Perhaps it's just his background and he keeps his emotions somewhat guarded but he has been very open and honest about his background, where he's come from, and his struggles from the past.
 
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If he's guaranteed to be the last player drafted he should go. Sucks for Purdue fans because Purdue would be a top 5 team with him back, but that's the way it is.
 
In the "Transformational" video produced by the athletic department, two or three players (VE and PJ) talk about how much fun it is to hang out with Biggie, and how the team has become his family, so he may not be as stoic behind the scenes.

There was an interview one of the TV stations did with Biggie right before the NW game after he had been selected as a second-team academic all-American, and most of the interview was about his academic success and how he juggled the various demands on his time. He said (almost matter of factly) that he would be eligible to graduate at the end of the semester next fall. Now, it's easy to read way too much into an off-the-cuff comment, but the tone of his voice almost made it seem as if in his mind there was no doubt he'd be back to finish his education.

Again, it's one comment that can easily be taken out of context, but remember that Biggie is also just 19 years old. Right now his Purdue family is a safe and comfortable place to be, and the NBA will always be there.

I don't think he's coming back, but if he does, it will be for all the right reasons.
 
Roosevelt Barnes better not let him stay. He deserves to go and get paid. His draft stock GOES DOWN year over year, not up. He has reached the pinnacle of individual performance in the NCAA, and he's bumping up against the ceiling. The risk of injury is not worth coming back, as much as he may be comfortable or happy or love the school.

An NBA franchise will take a "chance" on him, start to sculpt and shape him and he will have a good shot at having a good or great career.
 
Roosevelt Barnes better not let him stay. He deserves to go and get paid. His draft stock GOES DOWN year over year, not up. He has reached the pinnacle of individual performance in the NCAA, and he's bumping up against the ceiling. The risk of injury is not worth coming back, as much as he may be comfortable or happy or love the school.

An NBA franchise will take a "chance" on him, start to sculpt and shape him and he will have a good shot at having a good or great career.
And even if he doesn't stick in the NBA there is always Europe for a bit and finishing his degree after. With his spirit and work ethic he will succeed in whatever he chooses. Glad to call him a fellow Boiler.
 
... Even Painter said something at a recent postgame press conference after a very calm, vanilla Swanigan response like, "Come on Biggie that's all you're going to give us?!" ...

Any chance you remember which game it was or have a link handy (or anyone else for that matter)? I thought I had watched all of the post-game pressers this year and don't recall this, must have missed (at least) one or been too celebratory (drunk).
 
What can he really expect, stats wise, to increase his stock if he stays? 35 double doubles? 10+ triple doubles to go with those DDs? Average 25 and 18? We haven't seen the kinds of stats he's put up this year but by maybe two other guys since Tim Duncan in the 90s. I'd love to have him another year, but I'd hate to see him get hurt or just have an off year (compared to this year).
 
Any chance you remember which game it was or have a link handy (or anyone else for that matter)? I thought I had watched all of the post-game pressers this year and don't recall this, must have missed (at least) one or been too celebratory (drunk).

Very end of the article linked here. I copied and pasted that part of it below the link.

http://www.indystar.com/story/sport...jolt-terror-purdue-looks-terrifying/99357632/

When it was over and Boilers coach Matt Painter and three of his players were sitting at the podium for the postgame news conference, someone was asking Swanigan about winning this game and advancing where the program hadn’t been in years: to the Sweet 16.

Swanigan didn’t smile. I’m not sure he ever smiles.

“I'm excited,” he said, sounding not excited at all. “I'm ready to get back to campus and get to work and watch the game (Sunday), Kansas-Michigan State, and see who is left.”

Painter is watching, and he’s listening, and he can’t believe Biggie. The guy's going to the Sweet 16. He sounds bored.

“That's great,” Painter said, lobbing some sarcasm at Swanigan. “That's all we get? That's beautiful.”

That’s all you get, coach. Biggie knows. This team is special. There’s another trip to take. Another game this week, maybe two. Pack for four days in Kansas City. And don’t forget the scissors.
 
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Okay thanks, I found the video and I know why I didn't remember it that way. I think the author of the article misinterpreted what CMP was saying (or was reading from a transcript), see the link if you care to make your own decision on the tone of painters response but my interpretation is below.

“I'm excited,” he said, sounding not excited at all. “I'm ready to get back to campus and get to work and watch the game (Sunday), Kansas-Michigan State, and see who is left.”

LONG PAUSE

“That's great,” Painter said, lobbing some sarcasm at Swanigan. “That's all we get? That's beautiful.”


Painter here is meaning to say "Sweet, no more questions!?!", it has nothing to do with Swanigans response (and apparent lack of excitement).
 
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I know this has been discussed numerous times already this year, and I've said that he's 100% gone... but the more I think of it (unless it's the Purdue homer in me), the more I'm leaning slightly towards him staying his junior year. Hear me out?

-Biggie is doing great academically, making me wonder if he can graduate in 3 years with a Bachelors.

-He is listed on almost every mock draft I've seen, as a late 1st - early 2nd round draft pick. I know he wants a career playing basketball no matter where it is, but he WANTS the NBA more, which could play against this whole possibility.

-We return our ENTIRE team minus Spike who gets minutes, and those are very limited.

-We would be a top 5-10 team entering the year with another great guard in Eastern joining us, along with Wheeler, Haarms, and even a possible healthy Taylor.

-His draft status probably won't budge either way, but with his work ethic, I believe he would only be better than he is now, becoming less turnover prone and just a man among boys dominating in every aspect.


So lets weigh the pros and cons for Biggie.

Exhibit A:
-Get a degree that will get him a nice living with or without basketball
-Make about the same money you would be making, probably more, only a year after.
-Win NPOY
-Compete for the FF as a strong favorite
-Do something even more special for Purdue

Or

Exhibit B:
-Go to the NBA and make about the same money you would the year following minus the degree.




Guys please tell me I'm not losing my mind! Does Caleb Swanigan look more and more like the guy who chooses exhibit A over exhibit B? I know the chances are slim still, but his attitude, work ethic, post game comments, seem to be leaning that way more and more.
IMHO the dos of him staying are "slim and none and slim left town"!
 
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