Terrence Shannon Jr.
Basketball - SG
College
University of Illinois
Terrence Shannon Jr. attended Lincoln Park High School in Chicago, averaging 15 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game as a senior. After having no NCAA Division 1 basketball scholarship offers by the end of his senior season, he reclassified to the 2019 class and moved to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. His success with Mac Irvin Fire on the AAU circuit drew attention from several college programs. Shannon was considered a 4-star recruit and he originally committed to DePaul before switching his commitment to Texas Tech.
He had a solid freshman season for the Red Raiders, starting 21 out of 29 games and averaging 9.8 points per game. As a sophomore, Shannon averaged 12.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, 14.4 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. He earned Third-team All-Big 12 honors and declared for the 2021 NBA Draft while maintaining his college eligibility.
During his junior season, he was suspended 3 games due to an eligibility review. He finished the season averaging 10.4 points and 2.6 rebounds per game. At the end of the season, Shannon entered the transfer portal and committed to Illinois.
In his first season with Illinois, he started 30 out of 31 games and averaged 17.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. At the end of the season, Shannon once again declared for the NBA Draft. He worked out at the NBA combine, but later came back to Illinois for his 5th season of collegiate ball.
In 2023-2024, Shannon was arrested and charged with unlawfully, feloniously. and knowingly (engaging) in sexual intercourse with a person who did not consent. He played 11 games before being suspended 6 games. After a preliminary injunction was granted, his suspension was ended and he resumed playing the rest of the season. He had his best season starting 31 games and averaging 23.0 points a game for Illinois.