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We almost don’t even know how to properly introduce a person who has such an amazing and inspiring story, as well as a decorated basketball resume. Swen Nater is a name that will be a pleasant blast from the past for our seasoned listeners and basketball junkies who appreciate champions and greatness. For our listeners who may not be as familiar, you are about to be blown away by this man's story and basketball journey, with some laughs to go along with it. 

Without ever playing even a second of high school basketball, Nater started his basketball career at Cypress Junior College. He then went on to play for the legendary Coach John Wooden at UCLA where he backed up Hall of Famer Bill Walton and helped the Bruins win 2 National Championships. Nater was selected 16th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1972 NBA Draft and became the first player to be drafted in the first round without EVER starting a single college game. He was also drafted in the ABA and went on to win ABA Rookie of the year. He was a 2-time ABA All-Star and became the only player to lead both the NBA and ABA in rebounding. 

There is truly no episode quite like this one. We consider Swen as basketball royalty. You rarely get to learn and hear stories about playing for Coach John Wooden, Bill Walton, and playing in both the NBA and ABA, but in this episode you do! Honestly though, the journey of how he got there is far more impressive and the man and mentor he became after is something we truly admire. 

Thank you Swen Nater!