Specialized Reporting Story 1: Ronshad Shabazz

Since sophomore guard Ronshad Shabazz joined the Appalachian State men’s basketball team two years ago, the Mountaineers have amassed an overall record of 17-36, going 10-23 in the Sun Belt conference.

While the number in the win column is much lower than any of the team hoped at the beginning of the season, Shabazz has been a bright spot. Statistically, he leads the team in minutes, field goals made, field goals attempted, points per game and more.

However, Shabazz has made a difference off of the court as well.

“He’s a great glue for the guys,” junior forward Griffin Kinney said. “He’s friends with everybody on the team. He’s somebody I can spend all day with, have class with, come to practice with and then hang out at my place. I’m with him all the time. He’s a great guy on and off the court and he’s a vital component to this team.”

Shabazz has been a consistent part of the Mountaineers’ starting lineup, starting all but one game over the past two seasons. With a multi-faceted game that includes the ability to shoot and drive to the basket, Kinney said that Shabazz is beneficial to the other Appalachian State players on the court.

“Every time we play, the other team knows where he is at,” Kinney said. “That opens up a lot of things for other guys. Just his presence.”

While he has grown and matured over his tenure at Appalachian State, Shabazz has had to learn on the fly. He said he tries to take advantage of the early experience and learn as quickly as possible. During his first two seasons, he has made many mistakes. However, he said that head coach Jim Fox and his teammates have helped him learn and move on from the small errors.

“I’ve learned it's a long season,” Shabazz said. “You have to take care of your body, and you can’t hold your head down. You might have a bad game, but you have to get back at it. You have to have this fight mentality.”

What Shabazz lacks in experience, he more than makes up for in energy and excitement.

“I bring energy and leadership,” Shabazz said. “I can help guide my team in the game. I can help defensively. I bring a lot to the table. I bring this fight mentality to the game, and I feel like my team feeds off me.”

Kinney said that Shabazz’s energy is non-stop. Whether it be in practice, during a walkthrough or in a game, he said that Shabazz is always ready to go. Kinney also said that it is a likeable energy that makes players enjoy being on the court with Shabazz.

“When you’re playing with guys you like, it makes you play that much harder and put that much more effort in for your teammates and your brothers,” Kinney said.

Shabazz admitted that the individual achievements and statistics feel good, but the success of the team is where his heart is.

“I’d rather win a lot of games than have 30 points and lose a game,” Shabazz said. “Winning means way more to me than anything.”

Off the court, those around Shabazz have also noticed a change. Holly Moore, a junior at Appalachian State and co-captain of the dance team, has been close with him for the last two years and is currently dating Shabazz.

Moore said that he is respected by his teammates because it is so evident that he cares about the team and the game.

“He has blossomed into a more team-oriented player, giving others opportunities to get the points,” Moore said. “At the same time his points-per-game has increased, which has to do with him being a bolder player. He keeps the team focused and has great leadership qualities.”

Although he feels he’s played well in his first two seasons, Shabazz said that everyone can always get better. He says he values practice more each and every day, and, no matter if they win or lose, he and his teammates come to practice ready to fight.

His work ethic has not gone unnoticed by teammates. And he is a positive encouragement to other players to improve their drive as well.

“He’s over here getting shots up after practice,” Kinney said. “He’s not afraid to put in the work and to take other guys with him. He’s not the type of guy to go shoot by himself. He’s going to grab somebody with him and take him to the gym as well.”

With that drive on and off the court, Shabazz said that the ceiling is high for the Mountaineers, and he is eyeing the possibility of a Sun Belt Championship and an NCAA Tournament bid before he’s finished at Appalachian State.

“I know I work hard, and I know my teammates work hard,” Shabazz said. “Even though in the win column it hasn't shown, we’re always going to put in the work, and I know it’s going to pay off.”