Import’s NBL debut was years in the making

D’Shawn Schwartz is enjoying an impressive debut season with South East Melbourne, but his NBL journey could have started years earlier.

Speaking on The Phoenix Files podcast, the import revealed he almost joined the League straight out of college, after stints at Colorado and George Mason.

“Funny story, I thought I was going to be playing in this League fresh out [of college],” Schwartz said.

“But [unfortunately], the rules changed [and I couldn’t come].

“Instead, I had to choose whether I wanted to play in Romania or Turkey.

“But, yeah, I could have [been in the NBL] earlier than this season.”

The American forward chose Turkey, joining Fenerbahçe in 2022, before stints in France with Le Mans Sarthe Basket and Germany with the Rostock Seawolves.

Now in his first season with the Phoenix, the 27-year-old is averaging 12.6 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2 assists per game.

Schwartz and the Phoenix will look to improve their 4-6 record when they travel to take on the Sydney Kings from 3pm AEDT on Sunday, live on ESPN.