(Photo Credit: Telegraph Journal)

Former Indiana Hoosier Freddie McSwain Jr. and his Moncton Magic team were crowned as Champions last week in the National Basketball League of Canada. The Moncton Magic dominated in the 2019 NBLC Finals against the St. John’s Edge, sweeping them 4-0 in the series.

After joining in 2017, the Moncton Magic win their first championship in their team history. In fact, both teams in the NBLC finals this year joined the league in 2017. By taking the throne, the Magic thwarted the London Lightning from winning a third straight championship in the short timeline of the NBLC.

As a rookie, Freddie McSwain Jr. played in 34 games but only started in just two of the contests. He contributed key minutes at the power forward position for his team, led by head coach Joe Salerno. This season Freddie averaged 8.5 points per game and 5.6 rebounds per game during his limited minutes.

McSwain Jr. hopes to expand his game more as he grows and develops in the North American league. When given minutes, he has not taken those opportunities lightly. As a starter in the final regular season game for the Magic, he crushed a solid Windsor team with a stat line of 24 points, 2-of-3 shooting from behind the arc, 14 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks.

Freddie packed his high-flying athleticism from his junior college and Indiana days, and he brought it across the northern border. He has put his bounce and dunking skills on full display for Canadian fans and fans were given a taste of what Hoosier nation got to see glimpses of during his time at Indiana University. Check out his Moncton Magic highlights from the season in the below video.

About the National Basketball League of Canada

The National Basketball League of Canada, or NBL Canada, was founded in 2011. They are Canada’s professional basketball league and currently feature 10 total teams across Canada.

Salaries in the NBL Canada unfortunately are not comparable to the NBA. In fact, teams have a combined salary cap of around $170,000 Canadian. On average, players are making just $700 per month; however, players are compensated for winning in the post-season and of course all of their travel, expenses, food, and lodging are covered during the season.

Many players are looking to chase the dream of playing in a bigger league after time in the NBL Canada. Whether it be Europe or overseas in Asia, where players can make up to $1 million annually, the NBL is a platform for those players to improve their skills and expand their game.