"She is going to be a problem in the next few years": Fans show love to Syla Swords' masterclass vs UCLA and South Carolina

Syla Swords is putting the college basketball world on notice after producing outstanding displays for the Michigan Wolverines in their games against top-ranked teams South Carolina and UCLA.

Swords scored a combined 57 points in those two outings against the Gamecocks and the Bruins, showing she isn't afraid to lock horns with the powerhouse teams.

Syla Swords (#12) of the Michigan Wolverines looks on during the first half against the UCLA Bruins at UCLA Pauley Pavilion on January 1, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Getty

Swords balled out in Michigan's season opener against then-No. 1 South Carolina on Nov. 4, scoring 27 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in the Wolverines' 68-62 loss. They came close to recording an upset win against the defending national champions, cutting the deficit to 64-62 with 22 seconds left.

Swords and the Wolverines faced another No. 1 team on Wednesday in UCLA and the Michigan freshman dazzled once more. She scored a career-high 30 points in the Wolverines' 86-70 loss to the Bruins. She shot 11-for-25 from the field, including 4-of-11 from beyond the arc. She also made all four of her free-throw attempts.

After her latest offensive masterclass, college hoops fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to show love to the teen phenom.

"She’s going to be a problem in the next few years," one fan wrote.

"She is really a great great player," one fan replied.

"She is special. Will be a key part of Canada’s national team going forward," another fan shared.

Here are some other reactions.

"Watched her in person in Ft Myers. She couldn’t miss," one fan tweeted.

"Saw her play SC in Las Vegas. She can play!" one fan commented.

"The Canadian is nice. She needs more help from teammates," one fan argued.

Offensive help lacking for Syla Swords in Michigan's loss to UCLA

The UCLA Bruins' depth proved too much to overcome for the Michigan Wolverines, who struggled to provide offensive support to Syla Swords in their New Year's Day showdown at Pauley Pavilion.

Syla Swords (#12) of the Michigan Wolverines attacks the defense of UCLA Bruins' Elina Aarnisalo (#7) in the first half of their NCAA game at Pauley Pavilion on January 1, 2025 in Los Angeles. Photo: Getty

Only two other players scored in double figures for the Wolverines, who lost for the second straight game. Olivia Olson scored 17 points on 6-for-13 shooting, while Jordan Hobbs added 10 points. Michigan only had four bench points compared to the 27 scored by UCLA's reserves.