Image Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

WATCH: Illinois basketball unveils Terrence Shannon Jr.’s jersey banner upside down in ceremony

Illinois basketball management were left red faced after making a big fumble in Terrence's jersey retirement ceremony.

Image Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

The 24-year old forward, Terrence Shannon Jr. became the 36th Illinois college basketball player to have his jersey hang in the rafters. The forward delivered two impressive seasons before declaring for the 2024 NBA Draft and led Illinois to the Elite-Eight of the 2024 March Madness.

Terrence Shannon Jr. averaged 23.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game while shooting 47.5% from the field in his senior year. He was named in the third-team All-American (2024) for his sensational performance and holds the record for most points scored in a single season in Illinois history with 736 points.

However, Terrence Shannon Jr’s special day turned embarrassing as the banner was unveiled upside down and the young man stood there confused. Many fans have slammed the Illinois athletic commission and some termed it as “Embarrassing”.

That's so
Embarrassing
— brandonb (@bbajema2000) February 16, 2025

In an interview before the retirement, the young forward was overwhelmed when asked about how he felt about his jersey being retired here. “Uh, it means a lot—just to see how much I’m loved here. It shows all the hard work I put in is paying off. I’m just grateful, man. I’m grateful.” said the young forward.

He also talked about the first time hearing about his jersey retirement, “I believe I was at my OKC workout during pre-draft, and he and Coach F called me. I was shocked—I didn’t think it would happen because I was only here for two years. I was just happy and grateful to have the opportunity to get my jersey up there. Yeah, I’m just happy.”

Terrence Shannon Jr.’s electric display in a victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder

After getting multiple DNPs and suffering from injury in January, Terrence Shannon Jr. had an excellent game versus the number one seed, Oklahoma City Thunder. He played career-high 29 minutes and recorded 13 points, six rebounds and one assist while shooting 40% from the field.

The forward is growing in confidence and prior to the Thunder game, Shannon Jr. played against the Milwaukee Bucks and recorded 11 points, five rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block in a 103-101 loss for the Minnesota Timberwolves. The franchise is suffering from injuries to Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo which opens a clear window for Shannon Jr. to establish himself in the Timberwolves rotation.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Terrence Shannon Jr.

Suryansh Kumar

NBA/WNBA Writer

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Hello, my name is Suryansh, and I write NBA/WNBA content for ThePlayoffs. I love sports, which is why I write and I love the NBA because of the stats. My aim is to find unique stats and perspectives to provide my readers with another angle on sports.