Current NBA Players from the State of Rhode Island (2023 – 2024)
Basketball players, and indeed competitors across all athletic fields, carry a badge of honor for their birthplaces. It could be their home state, the neighborhood they grew up in, or the area code they associate with; there’s always a noticeable desire to represent one’s beginnings.
The same holds true for the fan base. There’s an added thrill in supporting a player who shares your state lines or even the same local stomping grounds, especially when that athlete plays for the team you root for above all others.
Bearing this in mind, we scoured through NBA.com to extract the home states or, in some instances, the home countries of every player listed on the active rosters of each team.
Our findings included 1 player originating from the state of Rhode Island.
NBA Players from Rhode Island
Below is a “list” of the 1 player on NBA rosters at the commencement of the 2023 season, detailing their hometown and the respective team they represent.
| Name | City | State | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cole Swider | Portsmouth | Rhode Island | Miami Heat |
Player Bios
Here is a little more background info on the lone NBA player from the state of Rhode Island:
Cole Swider
Cole Swider was born in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, a small town known for its scenic beauty and close-knit community. Swider attended St. Andrew’s School in Barrington, Rhode Island, where he quickly emerged as a top basketball prospect.
His high school career was distinguished by his sharp shooting skills, versatility, and high basketball IQ, making him one of the most sought-after recruits in the New England region.
Swider played college basketball first at Villanova University, where he was part of the 2018-2019 NCAA championship team, and later transferred to Syracuse University. At Syracuse, he showcased his ability as a stretch forward, known for his excellent three-point shooting and ability to spread the floor.
Swider’s path from the small state of Rhode Island to major college basketball programs and then to the NBA underscores his dedication to the sport, his skill development, and his adaptability in different team environments.
Conclusion
From the driveways of small-town Rhode Island to the gleaming hardwood of NBA arenas, these players carry with them a piece of their home state, a testament to the talent and determination that Rhode Island instills in its athletes.
Whether they are rookies making their debut or seasoned veterans known by every fan, the pride of Rhode Island continues to shine on the national stage. To the fans back home, these players are more than just athletes; they are local heroes, each with a story that resonates with the dreams of young ballers across the state.
As the season unfolds, we will watch their stories develop further, cheering for not only the skills they display but also the communities they represent. The spirit of Rhode Island basketball is alive and well in the NBA, and perhaps, in the cheers of the crowd, the players can hear a little bit of home calling back to them.
