He was this past year’s most improved player and led Division I in field goal percentage with 72.1 percent. He was awarded a spot on the Big Sky All-Academic team twice and won the Golden Eagle Scholar-Athlete Award in back-to-back years. This rising men’s basketball star, junior forward Shane Johannsen, took a minute after working hard at practice to tell The Lumberjack a few things about himself.

Matt Beaty / The Lumberjack

The Lumberjack: Where are you from?
Shane Johannsen: Chandler, Arizona.

LJ: What is it like there?
SJ: It’s very hot. Lots bigger, too.

LJ: Why did you decide to come here?
SJ: It’s close to home — about a two-hour drive. I had a chance to play ball here too, so I took it.

LJ: What do you like most about Flagstaff?
SJ: The atmosphere is great. Everyone up here is really friendly. Everyone is laid-back.

LJ: What do you see yourself doing in 25 years?
SJ: Who knows? Hopefully I will have a good job and a strong family. Security is what I want the most.

LJ: Have you met your perfect girl yet?
SJ: I have one. We have been dating for two and a half years. She goes to NAU and is simply amazing.

LJ: What is your favorite food?
SJ: That’s a tough one. I would probably have to go with Mexican food; I’m a big fan of local Mexican restaurants back home.

LJ: Who is your role model in life?
SJ: I have lots of them. My dad is probably my biggest, though. He pushes me constantly and helps me strive to succeed.

LJ: What is your favorite team in any sport?
SJ: The Suns. I’m a big basketball fan, and I grew up cheering on the Suns.

LJ: When do you think they are going to win it all?
SJ: Who knows? They are doing well now and really stepped it up this year. I didn’t think they would, so we will have to see.

LJ: What do you like the most about being on the basketball team?
SJ: The guys, especially this year. We are all friends; there really are no cliques. Everyone does stuff together. It’s cool.

LJ: Do you have a most memorable moment in sports?
SJ: Oh man, that’s tough. I really have two. When we won state my junior year, that was special. And my first Div. I game in college. Both were special moments.

LJ: What is a normal day like for you?
SJ: Well, I wake up, go to class, come home and eat. I love to take a 30-minute power nap. Then I go to practice or lift weights, or whatever we’re doing, then study and sleep. Pretty much the same every day.

LJ: Do you play any video games?
SJ: I love ‘em!

LJ: What is your favorite game?
SJ: Modern Warfare II, the one that just came out.

LJ: Who would you say is the best of the team?
SJ: Well, we are great overall. Everyone contributes. The shooters shoot well and so on. If I had to pick one, I would pick Cameron Jones. He has great leadership; he’s a third year guy, and a lot of dudes look up to him.

LJ: If you could ask the next JackChat
athlete anything, what would it be?
SJ: What gets you fired up?