Player Spotlight

Player Spotlight highlights the finer details and elements while supplying insight to the fans on what a player's thought process may be pertaining to a certain play, game or situation. It brings the intensity, passion, and inner most thoughts of the individual player that otherwise may not be felt or heard.



02/01/04

A.J. Shannon - Buffalo Bandits

A.J. Shannon of the Buffalo Bandits had a few words with PLPA Correspondent David W. Unkle Chosen as the number six pick in this year's draft, Shannon is establishing him as one of the game's top rookies.


Question You had a great start to you National Lacrosse League Career scoring three goals in your debut; talk about that first game?
Answer I was a little nervous; I hadn't played box lacrosse in a year and a half so I was a little tentative, especially when there are expectations placed on you. It's like people want to see what you're really made of. The first half I was a little rusty but I stepped it up and played with confidence in the second half…to play the way that I normally play. You don't to step on anyone's toes, especially when you're playing with great players but you also have to make plays.


Question It's certainly an honor to be selected so high in the draft; is it difficult then to play with the lofty expectations placed upon a high draft pick?
Answer I try not to put to much pressure on myself. I know what some people think and of course there are some doubters out there. In Buffalo, I'm surrounded by some great veteran players and they ease you into things. All they expect is that you go as hard as you can. I love the expectations and love the challenge of trying to live up to them or surpass what people think I can do. It's a great chance to show what you can do out there and the best lacrosse players in the world are playing out here. It's a great event and I just wish more people would come out and support the game throughout the league.


Question It's been a pretty good year for you; first leading Virginia to the NCAA title this past year and now playing in the NLL. Are you still riding the high?
Answer It's kinda weird actually. Right after we won the National Championship, you're above the ground, waling on air. It's a great feeling and I never thought I would experience it. One of the toughest things is to win a National Championship…one mistake and you lose. I was drafted five days after winning the Championship and was drafted and played in the outdoor league. Getting to play with guys that you've looked up to your whole career, guys like JT (John Tavares); it's pretty funny sitting in the locker room with them.


Question Coach Darris Kilgour's philosophy is to pressure the opposition all over the floor to create opportunities for the offense; how does that style mesh with your game?
Answer I love it because it tests your athleticism and I working really hard to improve my speed. We had some great trainers in Virginia so I came in here ready for the challenge. I'd rather play our style than to sit back and play a zone defense. As a player, you want to go out there and demonstrate your ability and take the game to the other team.


Question You mentioned John Tavares, what's it like having one of the players you looked up to now one of your teammates?
Answer At first it's weird but now he's a teammate and I hope we win a Championship together. That's the neat thing about professional sports, everybody gets to grow up and play on a team with their idols…if you're lucky enough.


Question How has the transition been going from field lacrosse to box lacrosse?
Answer I didn't play too much field lacrosse growing up but I eased into it and I ended up playing for Team Canada. Going down to Virginia, you're playing against great athletes and it was a challenge for me to play down there. After playing in the NCAA, people don't look at me as a box player they look at me as a field player. I feel like wherever I go I have to prove myself all over again. First it was, "he's a box lacrosse guy" and then it was "he's a field lacrosse guy". Now I'm out here showing them that I can still play box lacrosse.


Question What's in A.J. Shannon's CD collection?
Answer I kind of listen to everything. I used to listen to a lot of heavy metal when I was younger, now I listen to pop and alternative music. Before the game, I like to listen to trance music.


Question What's the one CD that you own that is the most embarrassing?
Answer I have a couple slow jam mixes…the corny stuff. I guess Shania Twain…but it's good. It helps the ladies know that you're in touch with your feminine side, that you're not just a tough guy.


Question Are you a big video game player?
Answer Oh yeah. I definitely love it. My favorite game is Splinter Cell and Madden 2004. What else is there to do; I'm trying to find a job right now…video games are my release valve.


PLPA Correspondent

David W. Unkle is the host of The Topcat Sports Show, airing on Philadelphia's Renaissance Radio Station, WNJC 1360-AM every Tuesday from 4:30-6:00PM (Eastern Time). The Topcat Sports Show provides listeners in the Philadelphia market an appealing alternative to traditional sports talk radio. While you won't hear antagonist callers on The Topcat Sports Show, you will hear some of the greatest names in professional sports and entertainment. You can now listen live at www.wnjc1360.com.

David is a Staff Writer for South Jersey Sports On-Line (www.SJSports.com) and Our Sports Central (www.oursportscentral.com). A former semi-professional football player and ice-hockey enthusiast, and covers the Philadelphia Wings (NLL), Philadelphia Flyers (NHL), Philadelphia Phantoms (AHL), Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), and Philadelphia KiXX (MISL).

You can write to David via his website: www.topcatsports.org.



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