Heartfelt Message from Terrence Shannon, Illinois Basketball Coach Brad Underwood Ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft

The Illinois basketball team fell short of its ultimate goals of a Final Four and a national championship, but former Texas Tech transfer Terrence Shannon still left his mark on the Fighting Illini program.

Coach Brad Underwood offered a humble message of support and gratitude Thursday, with a request addressed to the Illini basketball family on behalf of his departing star player.

Coach Underwood’s words came at a time when Illinois’ athletic director was revealing his stance on a possible honor for Shannon. Illini star Coleman Hawkins transferred to Kansas State after a shockingly high NIL deal that sent shockwaves through the college basketball scene (Hawkins also spoke with Underwood recently) .

Underwood’s post was viewed nearly 40,000 times Thursday, with fans reveling in the nostalgia and gratitude shared by the Illinois basketball coach.

Underwood’s touching message

Underwood’s touching message included a request for Shannon’s Illini jersey to hang from the rafters of the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois.

“After one of the best seasons in Illinois history, Terrence cemented his place among our Illini greats,” Underwood said.

“I am thrilled that his legacy will be celebrated not only in the record books, but also at the State Farm Center with our future fans and Illini.”

Underwood also called Shannon one of the great workers, competitors and leaders he coached during his time at the Big Ten school.

“Proud of you, 0,” Underwood concluded. “Your name will forever belong to the rafters.”

Illinois basketball star Shannon’s NBA draft prospects

Shannon was projected between pick 15 and pick 30 in the first round of recent NBA mock drafts. An athletic prospect with versatile skills, he reminds many of former Lakers shooting guard Shannon Brown, but with smoother skills and perhaps even a better three-point shot.

Shannon’s ceiling could be much higher than Brown’s given the wealth of experience he gained in college with two major conference programs. Shannon was forced to carry a heavy load with Texas Tech and Illinois.

The Brad Underwood protégé could be considered one of the biggest steals of the 2024 NBA Draft once all is said and done. He doesn’t have the stature of Stretch Armstrong or the excitement of an international prospect that scouts have only seen play a handful of times, but he has the maturity and intangibles to immediately contribute to the team that selected him in the first round of the June 26 draft. .