Shannon played college basketball for the North Texas Green and Kansas State Wildcats.

[2][3] He averaged 13.4 points per game in 1948–49 and was named the league's Rookie of the Year, a designation not currently recognized by the NBA for that season.

Although he had already signed and played with Providence, the team was still required to select him in the 1949 BAA draft to secure his rights.

[6] Shannon coached the Hokies to a 104–67 record and its best NCAA Tournament finish in 1967, reaching the Mideast Regional final before falling to Dayton.

In 1971, Shannon resigned to join Virginia Tech's physical education faculty full-time.