"The numbers speak for themselves": Terrence Shannon Jr. has the chance to be a first-round pick

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - The month of June has been a life-changing one for Terrence Shannon Jr.

After playing under the cloud of a rape allegation this season, Shannon was found not guilty two weeks ago.

Last week, Shannon found out his name and number would be raised in the State Farm Center rafters.

"Terrence Shannon's got a big week, had a big week last week, and the announcement that DIA and men's basketball will hang his jersey just does nothing but bring a smile to my face," said Illini head basketball coach Brad Underwood."

On Wednesday, another life-changing moment could come for Shannon. As several media outlets have him projected as a first-round pick in the NBA Draft.

"A lot of teams have been around here throughout the spring doing their research, talking to everybody in town. They've all found out the same thing: what a wonderful young man Terrence is, what a great teammate he is," Underwood said. "The numbers speak for themselves. The improvement speaks for itself. A kid that was basically told a year ago 'Come back and work on your three and shot 37% compared to the 28% he did the year before. "

Shannon would be the first Illini drafted since Ayo Dosunmu in 2021, and the first first-round pick since Meyers Leonard in 2012.