Player: Neal Swindell
Class: 2026
Height: 6’4
School: Caldwell Academy
There is so much talent left in the Class of 2026 in North Carolina, and one unsigned senior put everyone on notice this past weekend at the Carmel Tip Off. 2026 6’4 Neal Swindell from Caldwell Academy proved that he is going to be a talent to watch all season long. He has shown he can be a go-to option in so many areas of the floor; he may be saving his best season for last as a senior at Caldwell.
Our very own scout, Patrick O’Brien, was quite impressed with his game this past weekend, having this to say:
“Swindell is an underrated prospect, but he should really open more eyes this season, and it was on full display at the event. Swindell has always been able to excel in being physical and attacking downhill, finishing at the rim and through defenders. But what impressed was his overall impact inside and out, out in transition, and he showed more of his all-around game. You add that with his energy, motor, and impact on the defensive end, Swindell provided a lot for his team.”
When you talk about Swindell’s game, what really stands out about him is his attitude and passion for the game. He has continued to put in the hard work to prove himself, and it is certainly showing in his final season in high school. Swindell has a lot of factors about his game that you have to like; strength, physicality, finishing downhill consistently, being able to operate from the perimeter, his impact on the glass, and his overall motor. All of which flourish on the court as he is proving to be a clear leader for this team. And he does all of that with a smile on his face, showing that nothing fazes him and he does what is needed for his team to win.
With what he showed at the event and my expectation for the rest of the season, Swindell will be a player you hear about more, and college coaches should start making him a bigger priority.