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Foster’s Smile Scores Big 1/24/2006 By Jennifer O’Neill Some say he looks like Usher. Some say he smiles like Usher. Others know he even has musical talents like the famed singer and performer. But it’s the basketball talents of Vanderbilt sophomore Shan Foster that continue to climb the charts and have others around the Southeastern Conference and the nation taking notice. “Shan has been very good this season,” said Vanderbilt head coach Kevin Stallings. “He is a very consistent worker. He is a very good person and a real pleasure to coach. He gives you the best he has every time he steps on the court and he really cares deeply about this team and its success.” The 6-6, 200-pound wing player has enjoyed a breakout season at Vanderbilt, ranking among the top scorers in the SEC with more than 16 points a game. Entering this weekend’s contest at <?xml:namespace prefix=”st1″ ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags”?>Florida, Foster leads the league in the 3-point shooting percentage (.568) and 3-pointers made per game (4.2) during conference play. But while Foster’s success continues on the court, his family continues to rebuild its home near Kenner, La. following the impact of Hurricane Katrina. “The roof fell off of my house,” Foster said. “My little brother and sister’s rooms were totaled. Our pool is totally damaged and our fence is no longer there. We had about three feet of water inside the house, but other than that we were one of the lucky ones in the area. My family is still able to live in the rest of the house.” Despite the destruction, Foster still manages to always smile and maintain a positive attitude. “I pride myself on being nice to everyone,” he said. “I make it a point to know as many people on campus as I possibly can. “People think I’m crazy because they’re not used to athletes talking to them, but I like to go around and speak to people when I don’t even know them. I believe that makes a big difference because you never know what somebody is going through day to day and taking the time out of your day to see how somebody is doing usually makes a huge impact on somebody’s life.” In addition to taking time to meet his fellow students, Foster also practices his music. “I play the piano,” he said. “I usually play gospel music, R & B music and songs I have written myself. I’ve written five or six songs.” “Shan is a very a talented person,” said senior point guard Mario Moore. “He’s also a very positive person, and I think that is the best thing you can do as a college basketball player because things will work for you if you think positive. His attitude is what helps him excel on and off the court.” Foster earned recognition to the SEC’s All-Freshman team last season after leading the league in 3-point shooting during conference play. Prior to the start of his sophomore campaign, Foster was tabbed First Team All-SEC by the league coaches and his performance to date has only reinforced that opinion. “Shan is a better player this year,” Stallings said. “He was good a year ago, and he is even better this year.” Through 17 games, Foster has led the Commodores in scoring 12 times, while being asked to take on a new leadership role. He is now the guy teammates count on for clutch baskets late in the game. “Shan brings a lot, especially in the second half,” Moore said. “He is a really good player for us. He makes unthinkable shots and finds open guys. He is somebody we’re depending on night in and night out.” His teammates are not the only ones leaning on Foster as Vanderbilt fans are hoping Foster’s scoring prowess and positive attitude help “Usher” the Commodores back to the NCAA Tournament. <?xml:namespace prefix=”o” ns=”urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office”?>
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