Size Matters To Lady Vols' Shannon Bobbitt

As the newest University of Tennessee Lady Vol point guard said during Monday’s Media Day in Knoxville, “It’s not about the size, it’s about the heart.”

The 5’2” junior transfer from Trinity Valley (Texas) Community College won’t only be making steals on the court this season, she will undoubtedly be capturing the hearts of the Lady Vol faithful when she makes her debut at Thompson Boling Arena Wednesday night when fifth ranked UT hosts Carson-Newman in a 7 p.m. exhibition game.

The only Lady Vol shorter than Bobbitt was 5’1” Joy Scruggs of Cleveland who was a member of UT’s then rookie head coach Pat Summitt’s team 32 years ago.

Bobbitt’s height didn’t deter her from being named the 2006 WBCA (Women’s Basketball Coaches Association) Junior/Community College Player of the Year for leading her former Cardinals team to a regional championship with a 30-2 overall record and a perfect 18-0 in conference play.

The Bronx, N.Y., native will be wearing jersey “00” for the Lady Vols, but her statistics at Trinity Valley were anything but zeroes.

Her 211 assists ranked third nationally with an average of 7.53 per game while scoring 16.4 points which attracted the attention of Summitt who was in desperate search of a point guard to replace the graduated Shanna Zolman with no successor in sight.

Summitt had not signed a player from the junior college ranks in almost three decades, the last being Cleveland’s Zandra Montgomery in 1977.

Now she has two. In addition to Bobbitt, Alberta Auguste of Central Florida Community College in Ocala has joined the Lady Vols. While Auguste is expected to be a key forward/guard reserve for UT, Bobbitt has cemented a spot in the starting lineup.

Off the court, Bobbitt is soft-spoken, but much to Summitt’s delight, her Texas transfer has quickly developed into a vocal leader on the court.

“Shannon has really done an outstanding job of coming in and being a take-charge person.” Summitt told reporters during Monday’s Media Day in Knoxville.

“She always takes responsibility for what happens on the floor whether it’s her fault or not.” she continued. “She is a true point guard. I have seen enough to know that we’re going to able to score more points in transition and on and off our defense because of her presence.”

Bobbitt said the transition from the tranquil junior college atmosphere to imminent Lady Vol prestige has been so far been seamless.

“It has been what I expected.” the psychology major said. “I know it’s going to be tough mentally and physically because of Pat’s style and coaching, but being the type of person I am, I’m well adjusted to that and so far it is going well.”

She had special words of praise for her new coach.

“She means business on the court, but off of it, she loves you like a daughter.”

Bobbitt was already acquainted with one of her new teammates. She has known fellow New Yorker Nicky Anosike since the two of them played against each other in seventh grade. Bobbitt said the Lady Vols have made her feel very welcome.

“We have connected well so far.” She said. “Everybody has a great chemistry and they make me laugh. We are bonding and we are going to make things happen.”

Bobbitt is also ready for the imminent fame in Knoxville and the endless lofty expectations that accompany being a Lady Vol.

“I’m just going to be Shannon.” She said. “I’m going to do whatever Pat needs me to do. I’m going to be myself, have fun and enjoy it.”

“We are going to have a great team this year.”

As for her height being a handicap….Bobbitt summed it up best.

“Don’t underestimate anyone.” she said. “Good things come in small packages.”

Summitt and her teammates know it already and soon so will everybody else.