Shonary Woods is about to enter his “Kobe year” (24 years old). And he would like nothing more than to have a little Kobe Bryant-like magic on the court this season.
Woods, a native of St. Maarten, is now senior at Florida A&M University. He is set to graduate in the spring with a degree in fine arts.
In his spare time, Woods practices basketball day in and day out. He would like to spend his last semesters with his FAMUly on the court and scoring big for his team. It has been one of his goals since transferring to the university from Tallahassee Community College in 2019.
Woods has been playing basketball since the age of 9, but had only taken it serious once he turned 16. He had started playing with many side teams while growing up and while at TCC, which allowed him to network and meet a lot of new players. Playing among new faces improved his skills. He wants to continue that legacy in FAMU and play for the Rattlers.
FAMU is set to host basketball tryouts next month. Once recruited, the new and current players for the team will head to Manhattan, Kansas for their season-opener against Kansas State on Nov. 10, according to FAMU Athletics. Woods is eager to be a part of that experience.
“The excitement, the intense and clutch moments — everything. I want to experience it,” Woods said. “I hope the best to go further than that when the time comes.”
Other Rattlers who hope be a part of FAMU’s basketball team have been playing with Woods.
Julien Denis, a senior computer engineering student, said: “He’s a very good defender. He loves to share the ball and set screens. He also is a good shooter and he’s got crazy hops.”
Troy Philips, a senior social work student, sayid: “He’s energetic and a big hustler. Even if he’s not playing his position, he would do what he has to do to get the job done to be honest. He’s someone you’d want to have on your team.”
Woods is hoping to make the team. He is staying dedicated and focused, and he said he’s keeping his head in the game.