Greensboro Swarm Making a Buzz During the Offseason

By carolinianweb on September 21, 2021 • ( 0 )

Jamario Williams

Staff Writer

The Greensboro Swarm made a big move this offseason, hiring new head coach Jordan Surenkamp. Surenkamp, who is the third coach in the Swarm’s five years, was a member of the Hornets staff as a manager and video coordinator. After starting as the Assistant Video Coordinator for the Charlotte Hornets in 2018, he was promoted to the Head Video Coordinator for the team. He is coming in behind Jay Hernandez who is still on the coaching staff as Surenkamp’s assistant coach.

The jump from video room to head coach is one that has become more common around the NBA. Hornets head coach James Borrego had the same background before he got the top job. Surenkamp feels optimistic about the opportunity, stating that he has been involved in coach’s meetings and was able to have his hand in everything. Being a video coordinator would give Surenkamp a different perspective that other coaches may not have because he was able to watch many different game films with the coaches that were already in place.

Coach Surenkamp is from Indianapolis, and he played basketball at Wabash College from 2010-2013. After leaving Wabash, he was hired as a graduate assistant at the University of South Alabama, and after two seasons was promoted to Director of Basketball Operations. In 2017, he started his career in the National Basketball Association with the Brooklyn Nets. While with Brooklyn he took over the head video coordinator job for their G League team, The Long Island Nets.

Everyone seems to be on board with the signing of Jordan Surenkamp: General Manager and President of Basketball Operations Mitch Kupchak feels that the new Swarm head coach will be a pivotal part of player development. Kupchak stated that “We are excited about the synergy he will bring to Greensboro.”

The Hornets’ head coach also had some high praise for Surenkamp: “He has been a valued part of my staff in Charlotte, and I am impressed by his work ethic and competitive nature,” said Borrego. He also discussed his excitement to see what Surenkamp can accomplish with their G League affiliate: “You’re going to see a passionate coach that loves the game, loves his players, loves coming to work every day, he’s got a major care factor.”

Surenkamp’s enthusiasm as a coach is something that many around the organization are very happy with. “You can get a lot of intensity from Jordan. I think that is what the Swarm fans are going to like the most, his intensity,” said Miles Bridges, forward for the Charlotte Hornets. Larry Jordan, the Director of Player Personnel added, “I can promise you he is going to bring a lot of enthusiasm for sure. He has a special way of getting the most out of players.”

Surenkamp was very appreciative of his opportunity to be the Greensboro Swarm’s new head coach: “The time I spent helping develop our young players in Charlotte and learning from Coach Borrego and his staff prepared me for this moment,” said Surenkamp. He mentioned being grateful for the trust that the Hornets front office has given him over the years, and his excitement to work with the Swarm.

The Swarm released their 2021-2022 schedule on Sept. 4 and are looking forward to starting the upcoming season. The first home game is Nov. 5 at the Fieldhouse against the New Orleans Pelicans affiliate, the Birmingham Squadron. For the team this will be the first game in 20 months with fans in the building; it is also special because this is the fifth anniversary of the Greensboro Swarm.

With a new season always comes new goals, and a big one for the Swarm is to make the postseason. Greensboro Swarm’s previous seasons have left them with a record of 73-135, and zero playoff appearances. Hopefully, Jordan Surenkamp will bring new energy and a winning attitude that the team needs to flourish this season and for seasons to come.