Shon Peck-Love was one of the best high school basketball players in Tuscaloosa history, making first-team All-State as a senior at Central High School in 1990.
But the head coach of the Paul Bryant Stampede doesn’t try to convince his current players of that.
“They wouldn’t ever believe me,” Peck-Love said. “I talk a good game, but they don’t believe you unless you can show them. So, I don’t even try.”
These days, Peck-Love’s success is coming on the sidelines. His team beat Gadsden City 50-49 Wednesday at Legacy Arena to advance to the Class 6A state championship game against Pinson Valley.
After graduating from Central, Peck-Love went on to Three Rivers Community College, where he averaged 19.6 points and 10.6 rebounds to earn the honor of national junior college player of the year. He turned that success into a scholarship at Alabama, where he started a total of 50 games for the Crimson Tide.
He helped the Tide to a berth in the NCAA Tournament in 1994 playing alongside future NBA players Jason Caffey, Antonio McDyess, Roy Rogers and Eric Washington.
Peck-Love remembers those days fondly.
“Wins, dunks and championships. That’s what I remember from college and high school,” Peck-Love said.
The coach won’t be dunking anytime soon, but he does have a chance to lead the Stampede to a state championship. His team will face a talented Pinson Valley team that includes point guard Woo Conor, the son of former Tide star Terry Conor.
“Playing here is real satisfying,” Peck-Love said. “I know our school will be excited and our community will be excited to be playing for a state championship on Saturday. We’re looking forward to representing Tuscaloosa and Tuscaloosa City Schools.
“It’s a been a while since the championship has been in Tuscaloosa. It’s going to mean a great deal to see everybody come together and compete for it. It’s a great feeling.”
