Derek Swartz

Uncommitted

SG•New Hampton School•Class of 2028

@derekswartzz

6-5

190 lbs

Portsmouth

91 Rating

#55|247Sports#54|State (247)#10|Position (247)

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Scout Report

A whisper turns into a rumble quickly in prep basketball, and for a 6-foot-5 shooting guard who won't graduate until 2028, Derek Swartz is already generating significant noise. His calm demeanor on the court belies a fierce competitiveness, a combination that has college coaches taking serious notice, even at this early stage. This isn't just about potential; it's about a foundational skill set that's already well ahead of his age group.

Background

Hailing from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Derek Swartz has spent his formative years in a region where basketball isn't always the dominant sport, but dedication can still forge exceptional talent. He attends New Hampton School, a reputable prep institution known for developing prospects and preparing them for the rigors of college academics and athletics. His family has been supportive, providing a stable environment for his rapid growth on the court. His AAU experience, playing with high-level regional and national teams, has been crucial in exposing him to diverse competition and accelerating his understanding of the game’s nuances, pushing him beyond what local leagues could offer.

Playing Style

Swartz operates with a smooth, unhurried pace for a young player, rarely looking rattled by pressure. He controls the tempo on offense with a mature decision-making process, often making the simple, effective play rather than forcing a highlight. While primarily a shooting guard, he possesses enough ball-handling chops to initiate offense in a secondary role, especially in pick-and-roll situations where he can either pull up or find a screener rolling to the rim. On the defensive end, his length is a major asset; he contests shots effectively and stays engaged on closeouts, impacting opposing shooters. He’s not a frenetic player, but his movements are always purposeful, conserving energy while remaining highly effective on both ends of the floor. His ability to hit tough shots late in the clock also suggests a player who isn't afraid of the moment.

Strengths

What immediately pops on film is Swartz's exceptional shooting stroke. It's fluid, repeatable, and he consistently knocks down shots from deep with impressive range, both off the catch and off a single dribble. His basketball IQ is also a significant plus; he understands spacing, makes smart passes, and consistently puts himself in good positions offensively without needing plays run specifically for him. His 6-5 frame, combined with his natural feel for the game, gives him significant versatility, allowing him to guard multiple positions and finish over smaller defenders. He’s a natural scorer who makes it look easy, but it’s his understated efficiency that truly separates him.

Areas to Watch

To truly unlock his next level, Swartz needs to continue to develop his explosion off the dribble and his ability to finish through contact more consistently at the rim. While his shot creation is good, adding a counter move or two to his primary drives will make him even more unpredictable for defenders. Improving his lateral quickness and defensive rebounding would also make him an even more complete and impactful player for any high-major program.

Player Comparison

Derek Swartz has some similarities to a young Luke Kennard during his Duke days – a high-IQ wing with a smooth, consistent jumper and an ability to score in a variety of ways. Both players possess an advanced feel for the game and can create their own shot or score off the ball effectively. The build and effortless scoring touch are definitely reminiscent.

Recruitment

The recruitment for Swartz is still in its nascent stages, given his class, but it’s already heating up with five Division I offers on the table from programs like Oklahoma State, Rutgers, Georgetown, Boston College, and New Hampshire. It’s early, but high-major programs are clearly prioritizing him, understanding that his foundational skills project well. Expect many more offers to pour in as he continues to develop and play on the national circuit. A commitment is likely still years away, but schools with strong academic reputations and a track record of developing perimeter players will certainly be in the mix, with the Northeast regional schools having an early advantage due to proximity.

Projection

Swartz projects as a significant contributor at the high-major Division I level, likely a starter who can provide consistent perimeter scoring and smart decision-making. His ceiling suggests a potential multi-year starter who can stretch the floor and be a secondary playmaker. Pro trajectory will depend heavily on continued physical development and expanding his offensive repertoire beyond shooting, but his core skills give him a real chance to play professionally, potentially overseas, if not reaching the NBA.

Updated Sep 8, 2026 · Analysis by PrepRadar Scouting Team