Known as the “Tower of Power”, 6’ 8” Shawn King, age 21, of Union Level, Bequia is a true All-Star and the pride of the Bequia Basketball Association and the All-Stars Basketball Club. Shawn has just been awarded a basketball scholarship to Murray State College in Tishomingo Oklahoma and leaves our small island shores in a few weeks! Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Shawn emigrated to Bequia with his parents and siblings at age 7. The youngest of a family of six; 3 boys and 3 girls; all of whom are over 6 feet, obviously inheriting their father King’s height, the handsome Shawn is the “sweetheart” in the family. Blessed with height, and possessing a passion for the game, but a thin frame and short on skills, his first attempt at basketball four years ago when he played in the annual Bequia Tournament was a mediocre one at best. He chose #7 as his lucky number from his birth date of June 7th! He scored only 7 points in 6 games and was shy and introverted, yet determined to be a ball player!
Coach Junior Sutton of the Bequia All-Stars saw in Shawn then what others could not see: the potential for greatness. He selected him for the Bequia National team, the Bequia All-Stars and began to coach him, teaching him the fundamentals and strengthening his post moves. His first year wearing the All-Stars uniform, Shawn was such a timid bench player that he was terrified to go on court when the All-stars played in the Calliaqua Invitational Tournament in 1999.
Today, as they say, the rest is history. A mere four years later, Shawn is fearless above the rim! His power slams give him bragging rights with the most basketball trophies on Bequia, and he can claim his rightful place among the best in St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Playing above the rim, he is bar none the leading shot blocker and rebounder in this country! Shawn is a true MVP and an unselfish team player. His all- around complete game of assists, rebounds, steals and blocks make him a tremendous asset to his home team as well as the Bequia All-Stars. For three consecutive years he won the top division MVP trophies for his home team Duke, and picked up most individual trophies in the Grenadines Tournament as an All-Star and the National Zonal Men’s Championship. Shawn’s dominance led Duke to two consecutive championships in the Bequia Tournament! His impressive stats in tournament play last year include 28.5 points per game, 24.17 rebounds per game, 6.67 blocks per game, 2.17 assists per game and 2.5 steals per game. On the recent tour to Barbados as an All-Star in April 2003, Shawn was labeled the “Tower of Power” by the Bajan media, a name that has stuck, and one he rightfully deserves!. His spectacular slam dunks and incredible athleticism make him a joy to watch on the court.
Coming from a very humble upbringing, Shawn’s off court personality matches his on court greatness. Although fiercely competitive and hating to loose, he is gentle, soft-spoken, and kindhearted! –except of course when talking basketball when his enthusiasm and love for the game shines in his eyes! His team mates and fellow All-Stars adore him and recognize his tremendous talents! Training for six months of the year, the close knit group of All-Stars, with Shawn in the paint, is a force to be reckoned with. The team toured Grenada last year and Barbados in April of this year. As a result of the exposure in Barbados, and his impact there, the scholarship to Murray State College in Oklahoma came through and he is one step closer to his dream-to be a NBA player. It couldn’t happen to a nicer person.

The BBA is currently seeking funding for his airfare and living expenses. Soon scheduled to depart our small island and the concrete outdoor court where he honed his skills, he moves on to the world of indoor courts, wooden floors and college life! We are proud of our superstar and wish him the best of luck. Donations for financial support for Shawn are welcome and much needed. Please contact President Sabrina Mitchell, or Coach Junior Sutton for more information.
By: Sarbina Mitchell