Georgia Swarm: 2024-25 Season Preview
11/30/2024 02:37 PM
Georgia Swarm: 2024-25 Season Preview
The Georgia Swarm are feeling optimistic and hungry for improvement entering the 2024-2025 NLL season. The team fell short of their goals last season, showing flashes of brilliance behind the leadership of Lyle Thompson. Dynamic in his play, Thompson was able to inspire teammates; he once again is expected to be the focal point for the Georgia Swarm offense. Now backed this season by key offseason additions, a favorable mix in returning talent, and new defensive focus, the Swarm need to build on strengths that had them so close but lacked ultimately cost them in 2023-2024.
The Georgia Swarm had a very active offseason, highlighted by adding Joey Cupido. A star transition player, Cupido brings a much needed dose of speed and energy into the Swarm’s lineup-a much-needed dose after serious deficiencies in the last. He is joined by names such as Seth Van Schepen and Toron Eccleston, who bring depth and variety. No key losses means the Swarm didn’t lose any sort of big pieces while improving. It’s pretty clear how Joey Cupido felt about coming to Georgia: “I’ve been counting down the days until camp. I feel like a kid on Christmas now that it’s finally here.” That energy and enthusiasm could be just what it takes to push this team over the top.
This year’s schedule is chock-full of key matchups that will truly test the mettle of the Georgia Swarm. An early statement can be made in their home opener against the San Diego Seals on December 7. On January 4, the Swarm host Toronto on “Native Heritage Night,” a game honoring the sport’s Indigenous roots and showcasing an incredible legacy of Lyle Thompson. The final home game against defending champion Buffalo Bandits on April 19 could prove critical in their playoff push. With such high-stakes games on the horizon, the Swarm will need consistency and resilience throughout the season.
Offensively, one of the biggest strengths Georgia offers is the firepower with Lyle Thompson leading the charge along with other talented attackers. Thompson brings vision, can score, and leads the charge. Additions of Cupido and Van Schepen also fortify their transition game, which should improve their chances on fast breaks. On the defensive side of things, Georgia had some struggles at times last season, but with the addition of Cupido, there’s hope this team improves in that area. If their defense can complement their offense effectively, the Swarm could be a tough team to beat. The major obstacle facing the Georgia Swarm is the inconsistency of their defense, which hurt them so badly last season. The offseason moves helped that area, but it’s to be seen how the new additions will mesh with the core.
With a revamped roster, marquee matchups, and the steady brilliance of Lyle Thompson, the 2024-2025 Georgia Swarm are positioned to make noise. Reclaiming their playoff spot will take work, cohesion, but this team has it in them, with the will to do so. The fans are hopeful for the Swarm to get back to those winning ways, bringing a lot of excitement on the floor. This could be the change of years for the Georgia Swarm, who have been attempting to rise once again into the top echelons of the NLL.
