Shannon scores 1,500 career points to make GNAC history

Shannon scores 1,500 career points to make GNAC history

02/11/10

Guard Jeremy Shannon '10 just became the sixth player in the history of the Emerson College men's basketball program to score 1,500 career points, since Emerson joined the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in 1984. Shannon accomplished the milestone in the February 6 game against Albertus Magnus College. Shannon entered the game needing 21 points to surpass the mark, and dropped in 20 in the first half. He hit a layup within 47 seconds of the second half for career point numbers 1,500 and 1,501. Shannon is the first men's player in the history of the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) to score 1,500 points, grab 500 rebounds, and dish out 300 assists. He is the most honored Emerson basketball player since three-time All-America Rob Hennigan '04. In his first three years, Shannon has been an All-Conference performer three times. In 2008 and 2009, he was named Defensive Player of the Year in the GNAC and was also the Conference Player of the Year in 2008. Following his junior year, he was named the Emerson College male Student-Athlete of the Year. Prior to this season, Shannon was named a pre-season All-American, by D3Hoops.com. "Jeremy was being recruited by Division I programs until he hurt his knee in high school," Emerson Coach Hank Smith said. "After that, he kind of fell off their radar. We're extremely fortunate to have someone of his talent at this level." In the February 6 game, Shannon had 29 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, two blocks, and three steals. He also had a 29 point/12 rebound game the prior week. He is currently the only player in the Conference to be ranked in the top 15 in seven different individual categories. As impressive as his point totals are, his rebounding skills are even more eye-opening. Shannon is third in the GNAC in defensive rebounds. He also leads the Conference in assists per game and is second in steals per game. As he nears the end of his career, however, Shannon's ultimate goal—a GNAC Championship and a trip to the NCAA Division III National Championship Tournament—is yet unrealized. The Lions are currently in third place in the GNAC standings by virtue of a tiebreaker with St. Joseph's College; and if the current standings hold over the last four games of the regular season, the Lions will have only one home playoff game as they pursue that dream. But playing on the road doesn't faze Shannon. He has scored 22 points at #2 St. Joseph's College and 18 at #1 Albertus Magnus College this season. Shannon hopes to continue to play basketball after graduation and has been in discussions about playing professionally in Europe. Smith feels that is a strong possibility. "Jeremy is so skilled in so many different parts of the game any team would be crazy not to want him…he can score from inside and outside, he's a great passer, an extremely intelligent rebounder, and obviously a superior defender. What coach wouldn't want a player like that?"