TALLAHASSEE – One of AJ Swinton’s favorite places on the Florida State campus is the FSU Soccer Field – home to the five-time national champion Seminoles.

The rising sophomore enjoys the sport of soccer and can often be found watching the team compete during the fall season. He enjoys the athleticism of the players, the exciting and successful brand of soccer played by the team, and the environment that makes a soccer match much more than just a game.

But for Swinton, it’s about what goes on above the soccer field that draws the talented wing to the field when it is absolutely empty and quiet.

It’s about watching the sun setting over the west side of the stadium that lets Swinton be who he is.

“I go there often just to watch the sunset,” said Swinton. “It’s one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen and it gives me a lot of peace watching it.”

There will be many more sunsets at the FSU soccer stadium for the rising sophomore who announced on April 2 that he would be one of the building blocks of the Seminole basketball team under new head coach Luke Loucks. He’ll bring his athleticism, his shooting ability, his desire to be a great teammate, and his energy back to the court at the Donald L. Tucker Center as Loucks and his staff work to return Florida State to a championship-caliber team – one that will compete for ACC Championships and deep NCAA Tournament runs on an annual basis.

Swinton played in 28 of Florida State’s 32 games as a freshman and showed flashes of being a dominant player. He averaged more than 10 minutes played per game, shot 36 percent from the 3-point line, and displayed his ability to take over a game on both the offensive and defensive sides of the court many times during the season.

As a starter against Notre Dame in February, Swinton totaled nine points, with two rebounds, one assist, and one steal. He enjoyed his best game of the season against Boston College. He totaled 10 points with four rebounds, while hitting a pair of first half 3-pointers.

The crowning achievement of Swinton’s first collegiate season came in a victory at home against Miami when he made two of the biggest shots of the season – within 33 seconds of each other – making two 3-point shots in the second half of the Seminoles’ victory over the Hurricanes. His shots helped the Seminoles erase a three point second half deficit and sent the Seminoles to their 14^th win over the Hurricanes in the last 15 games between the two teams. Swinton’s first 3-pointer broke a 45-45 tie and gave the Seminoles a 48-45 lead and the second gave Florida State a six point advantage with a 53-47 lead – a lead that never dropped below five as Florida State earned the win.

While he earned success during his freshman season, Swinton’s sophomore season has already begun.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing how much I can grow over the summer physically, mentally, and as a player,” said Swinton. “I’ve been putting in the work, and I’m excited to see it all come together on the court.”

As he works to take the next steps forward as a player, Swinton is very excited about working with Loucks and the Seminoles’ new coaching staff.

I’m also looking forward to seeing the coaching staff’s IQ and vision take shape,” said Swinton. “With the new energy and direction, I’m ready to be part of something special as we build toward that next level.”

Loucks, who became the Seminoles’ eighth all-time head coach on March 9, 2025, is excited to work with the talented Swinton.

“The first thing that stood out to me about AJ was his passion for the game,” said Loucks. “His energy and positive attitude came through right away. As we spent more time together, it became clear just how smart he is on the court, how much he values being a great teammate, and how driven he is to compete and grow as a player. AJ Swinton embodies the kind of player we want to build this program around. I’m really excited about what’s ahead for him as a Florida State Seminole.”

Loucks returns to Florida State – where he starred as a player from 2009-12 — as an incredibly accomplished player development coach in the NBA for the last nine seasons.

Loucks worked with perennial All-Stars Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, DeMar DeRozan, De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis and Zach Lavine as he rose to take a seat on the front of the Sacramento Kings bench as an assistant coach. During Loucks’ time in Golden State, Durant was twice named NBA Finals MVP and was also a first-team All-NBA selection. Curry earned first-team All-NBA honors three times with Loucks on staff, and Green was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2017.

In four short weeks, Swinton has quickly come to understand that Loucks, and the staff he is assembling, can help him reach his goals – both as an individual player and as in integral part of the Seminoles’ success as a team.

“Coach Loucks brings that NBA perspective and he knows what it takes to get to that level,” said Swinton. “I want to soak up everything I can. I stop by the office daily just to talk and learn from them. Coach (Michael ) Fly is super hands-on and checks in on me all the time. He’s made the transition smoother. Coach (Gerald) Gillion is a true players’ coach; he gets me, and I feel that connection. I’ve also been working out with Coach (Chris) Kent, and I see why Coach Loucks speaks highly of him. Coach Loucks is all about player development, and he’s already pushing me to a level above where I have been.

“I’m locking in on performance training with Coach Loucks’ staff. I’ve seen some of the transformations his staff has helped past players achieve, and I’m really excited about what on how my body is going to change.”

Swinton’s main focus is becoming a more consistent player and a person, and as a player, that his teammates can rely on as a team leader.

“My play in the second half of the season allowed me to be more confident in my offensive game,” said Swinton. “I want to prove that I can make a steady, impactful contribution across the board.”