Eddie Shannon enters his third year as an assistant coach for the men's basketball program for the 2014-15 season. Originally hired by former head coach, Terry Primm, he was retained and elevated to full-time status by new head coach, David Balza, in the summer of 2013.
Coach Shannon will work side-by-side with Coach Balza in all aspects of the program. On the court, he will be responsible for player development with the perimeter players. Additionally, he will serve as recruiting coordinator, charged with the task of helping to raise the talent level of the Sailfish while maintaining a high standard of academic excellence and Christian leadership in the student-athletes who come to PBA. Additionally, Coach Shannon will be involved in scouting, compliance, community outreach, camps, fundraising and academic counseling.
Shannon is no stranger to Palm Beach County, having played at Cardinal Newman High School in West Palm Beach before moving on to a promising academic career at the University of Florida. He was twice named the Palm Beach Post Player of the Year and was a three-time Sun-Sentinel Player of the Year while garnering Class 3A State Player of the Year honors in 1994 and 1995.
While suiting up for Coach Kruger and Coach Donovan with the Gators (1995-99), Shannon helped lead his team to a Sweet 16 finish at the NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament as a senior while being named the recipient of the Frontier Communications Most Courageous Award from the NCAA. Twice named to the Southeastern Conference’s All-SEC team, Shannon would go on to earn many accolades at the professional level as well.
Playing mostly in the Euro League, Shannon played professionally in countries such as France, Italy, Latvia, Russia and Sweden. He was named the 2002 Swedish League Guard of the Year and Finals MVP while tallying the league’s scoring championship. His play in the Russian Superleague a year later produced another scoring title while being named to the All-Russia first-team.
Shannon has also been recognized for his work within the community including recognition from the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners for directing summer programs to help kids learn and improve their basketball skills. Eddie is married to wife, Lakwanza. The couple have two children, Jaden and Justin.
“When I came on board, one of the first things I did was spend time with Eddie Shannon,” commented Balza. “It became apparent to me very quickly that he was the kind of person we needed in this program. He is a strong Christian and a fine example for our young men. He gives of himself for His Lord, the team and his community. His success speaks for itself. I believe that his knowledge and connections in this area will be a tremendous blessing to the growth of our program. I am very thankful to have him and his family as a part of our program.”
