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He made it there so he’ll make it anywhere…especially if he is standing behind the arc. He made it onto the MAAC All-Rookie Team as a freshman and was named MAAC co-ROY. As a sophomore he scored 14 PTS for Manhattan in the MAAC tourney title game win over Iona and made it to the NCAA tourney. As a junior he set a school record with 92 3PM and made it onto the MAAC All-tourney team after shooting 42.9 3P%. HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to chat with Shane about playing for his hometown team and the rivalry with Iona.
You grew up in New York City: what made you choose the Jaspers? They were my only scholarship offer coming out of high school and it has been a really good decision for me.
You play for Coach Steve Masiello: what makes him such a good coach, and what is the most important thing that you have ever learned from him? He has helped me immensely with my mental toughness. His style of play is great because it is so hard for our opponents to prepare for, and he has us prepared for every single game.
In 2013 you played in all 32 games and were named MAAC co-ROY: how were you able to come in and contribute right from the start? I struggled at first while adjusting to the college game, but worked hard and stayed after practice and eventually got more confidence.
Last year you set a school record with 92 3PM: what is your secret for making shots from behind the arc? I am not sure: I have always been a pretty good shooter. There is nothing really to it besides practicing.
You have played Iona in each of the past 3 MAAC tourney title games: how big is the rivalry, and do you think we will see the 4th in a row next March? The rivalry is 1 of the best that I have ever been around. Coach compares it to Kentucky-Louisville even though it is not on that scale. I hope we can get back to the title game in March: it would be interesting.
In the 2015 NCAA tourney you scored a team-high 17 PTS in a 10-PT loss to Hampton: what did you learn from that game that you think can help you this year? We came out a little flat in that game. We just need to do a better job of coming out strong from the jump and playing Manhattan basketball.
You are 1 of only 2 seniors on the roster: how much pressure is there on you to be a leader this year? I get that question a lot. It is difficult because this is the 1st time for me on this level, but we are working very hard and will take it day by day.
You lost your top-2 scorers from last year (Emmy Andujar/Ashton Pankey): how will you try to replace all of that offense? We are not really worried about that. We lost some big scorers the previous year and just had other players step up to the challenge.
Your non-conference schedule includes games against St. Mary’s/Bucknell/Memphis: which of these games do you feel will present your biggest test? I have not watched film on anyone yet but they should all be pretty talented.
What are your goals for the upcoming season, and what are your expectations for the upcoming season? The goal is to make it back to the NCAA tourney. I just want to be the best player I can be at the end of the day.