Mar 28, 2024; Boston, MA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) reacts after making a basket against the Iowa State Cyclones in the semifinals of the East Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Illinicast: Terrence Shannon Jr Innocent, Zakhari Franklin to Illinois
Illinicast Hosts Sunny and Austin went live on Thursday (6/13) evening to discuss some major news surrounding the Illinois Football and Basketball programs.
First, the duo discusses the not-guilty verdict that was concluded following an impending rape charge against Terrence Shannon Jr. Furthermore, touching on some of the hardships and criticism that Shannon jr had to endure throughout the process of proving his innocence. Of course, including being snubbed from first-team all-American honors. Through all the noise, Terrence Shannon Jr kept a stable composure, helping to lead the Illinois Basketball program to its first Elite 8 since 2004.
In addition, the Illinicast crew gave their thoughts on the newest Illinois Football commit, Zakhari Franklin. The speedy wideout is en route to Champaign to finish out his overall impressive career. Of course, reuniting with offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr, who assisted the talented pass catcher to back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons at UTSA. Additionally, Barry helped Zakhari earn two-time all-conference honors in the C-USA before both Lunney and Franklin departed from UTSA. Certainly, it was a massive pickup for Bret Bielema, as the Illini have now secured some impressive Big Ten offensive depth. Enough to feel better about bowling?
WATCH: Illinicast Live – Terrance Shannon Jr Innocent, Zakhari Franklin Commits to Illinois
Thank you for reading Armchair Illini. For more Illinois Athletics and Big Ten content from Armchair Illini, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email Alex Kyi at alexkyi13@gmail.com.
Please use our Seatgeek code for $20 off your purchase on Seatgeek.com: ARMCHAIRILLINOIS. Please subscribe to our podcast, IlliniCast, the top Illinois fan podcast. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing Illinois media outlets around!
Kirkland is an expert source for Illinois athletics news. He is the lead Football analyst at Armchair Illini and has been featured in top media publications like Bleacher Report, Yard Barker, Autograph, Newsbreak, CBS Sports and more.