Shock signs four-time WNBA All-Star Shannon "Pee Wee" Johnson
March 6, 2007 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Detroit Shock News Release
Auburn Hills, MI - Detroit Shock Head Coach and Director of Player Personnel Bill Laimbeer announced today that the Shock has signed four-time WNBA All-Star guard and unrestricted free agent Shannon "Pee Wee" Johnson. Per team policy financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.
The 32-year-old Johnson started in all 32 games in which she appeared last season for the San Antonio Silver Stars, averaging 9.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.88 steals in 27.3 minutes per game. She is a four-time WNBA All-Star (1999, 2000, 2002, 2003), a three-time member of the All-WNBA Second Team (1999, 2000, 2002) and a member of the gold-medal winning 2004 United States Olympic Team. Johnson also ranks third in career assists (1,569) and fifth in career steals (579) in U.S. professional women's basketball history.
"What a great acquisition for the Detroit Shock," said Laimbeer. "Shannon has all the skills and experience to fit right in and help us repeat as WNBA champions. We play defense, and Shannon is an exceptional defender, amongst the steals leaders every year. She plays both guard positions and gives the Shock the best three-guard rotation in basketball since my buddies Isiah, Joe, and Vinnie roamed the court for the Bad Boys.
"When I first spoke to Shannon about joining the Shock, she was honored that we wanted her, and listening to her talk, it was clear that she is committed to doing whatever it takes to win the Championship. I like that."
Johnson's WNBA career began on May 3, 1999 when she signed with the league and was allocated to the Orlando Miracle/Connecticut Sun. After four All-Star seasons, the Sun traded Johnson to San Antonio on January 28, 2004.
Prior to joining the WNBA, Johnson played for three seasons from 1996-1999 with the American Basketball League's Columbus Quest alongside Shock guard Katie Smith winning ABL Championships in 1998 and 1999.
"I'm excited," said Johnson via phone from Turkey where she is playing this offseason. "I enjoyed my time in San Antonio, and I'm grateful to the Silvers Stars organization and fans for all the support they showed me and the WNBA while I was there, but I'm excited about the opportunity to play alongside some great players and help the Shock win another championship. The Shock ship is sailing in the right direction, and I wanted to be a part of it."
Experience the two-time WNBA Champion Detroit Shock presented by AirMaster Heating and Air Conditioning, a premiere LENNOX dealer by calling 248.377.0100 or by logging on to www.DetroitShock.com. The Shock's home opener vs. the Sacramento Monarchs is scheduled for Saturday, May 19 (Bill Laimbeer's birthday) at 3:30 p.m. The 2006 WNBA Finals re-match will be televised nationally on ABC.
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Women's National Basketball Association Stories from March 6, 2007
- Seimone Augustus Selected to USA Basketball's 2007-08 Women's Senior National Team - Minnesota Lynx
- Shock signs four-time WNBA All-Star Shannon "Pee Wee" Johnson - Detroit Shock
- Sparks sign seven players to training camp contracts - Los Angeles Sparks
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