"Rebounding in Life"

Presented by Cypress College Alumnus, Swen E. Nater 

WHEN: Friday, March 1, 2013, at 9:00 AM

WHERE: Cypress College, Business #203

Swen Nater still holds the all-time NBA record for defensive rebounds in one-half, at 18, and he is tenth, all time, in rebounds per minute played. Swen was ABA rebound champion in 1975 with 16.4 per game and the NBA champ in 1980 with 15 per game. He also still holds the California Community College all-time rebound record at 492 in one season and 39 in one game, and, Milwaukee Bucks single game record of 33.

These statistics are especially notable when you consider Nater didn't make his high school team and sat the bench at UCLA (he played behind Bill Walton, one of the greatest centers to ever play the game). Further, he had an abusive step-father who beat him regularly, applied severe mental and physical punishment, and would not approve extra-school activities.

So Swen started playing basketball as a freshman at Cypress College, California. He didn't play much that first year but became All-America his second and was recruited to play for the UCLA Bruins. He went on to play in the ABA, where he was Rookie of the Year, and then the NBA. He's the only player to have led both the ABA and the NBA in rebounding.  

Swen Nater is a rebounder, on and off the court, and has crafted a presentation that has inspired thousands to take charge when bad things happen and look for the opportunity each challenge brings. As Coach John Wooden said, "Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out." Despite Nater's serious subject, his presentation is filled with humor and levity.

From the Office of Raul Alvarez, Cypress College Foundation