Illinois Basketball 2023 NBA Combine Check-In

In each of the last three years Illinois Basketball has had someone at the NBA Combine. This year they are represented by both Terrence Shannon Jr. and Coleman Hawkins in
Chicago. Both players did athletic and shooting drills in the combine on Monday.

Terrence Shannon Jr.

Athletic Testing

Maximum Vertical Leap: 37.5 inches

No Step Vertical Leap: 32 inches

Pro Lane Drill: 10.36 seconds

3/4 Court Sprint: 3.06 seconds

Shooting Drills

Spot Up Shooting: 19/25, 76%

Shooting Off The Dribble: 21/30, 70%

Three Point Star Drill: 14/25, 56%

Side-Middle-Side Shooting Drill: 11/30, 36%

Free Throws: 9/10

What it means

To absolutely no one’s surprise, Shannon Jr. aced the athletic section. His near 3 second 3/4 Court Sprint was the fastest ran by any prospect on Monday, and his Pro Lane Drill was the third fastest. Shannon Jr.’s vertical leap wasn’t all that impressive relatively, but he doesn’t have any issues when the ball is bouncing in that regard. His shooting was good, but not as much as the other section. He showed the off the catch ability that had him in the 97th Percentile per Synergy Sports before coming to Illinois. He also showed the improved off the dribble jump shot that his reps in Champaign have produced. Shannon Jr. has a lot of good qualities that consistently have him in the middle second round range in mock drafts. Of the two Illini he has the surest shot on Draft night.

However, if he does decide to come back, Illinois’ NIL collectives can make it worth his while. He can raise his stock by parlaying this strong start with a good showing in the scrimmages. If he went in range, he is currently projected he could see a deal like Ayo Dosunmu’s last year, which is a lot of money to turn down.

Coleman Hawkins

Athletic Testing

Maximum Vertical Leap: 32.5 inches

No Step Vertical Leap: 26.5 inches

Pro Lane Drill: 12.14 seconds

Shooting Drills

Spot Up Shooting: 17/25, 68%

Shooting Off The Dribble: 15/30, 50%

Three Point Star Drill: 17/25, 68%

Side-Middle-Side Shooting Drill: 18/30, 60%

Free Throws: 9/10

What it means

Hawkins didn’t put on the kind of show that Shannon Jr. did. His 12.14 second Pro Lane Drill was one of the slowest by any player. He also didn’t participate in the 3/4 Court Sprint. Hawkins however had a very good day shooting the ball. He showed the ability to get hot in the last two years, and he caught fire in the shooting drills. He finished in the top five in the Star Drill, Side Middle Side and Spot Up Shooting drills. After shooting under 30% last year from three, having such a strong showing in that factor if continued through the week would be big for his stock. He currently sits in the late second round for most mock drafts. I’m no expert, but I would assume Hawkins is looking for a guarantee from one of those teams in that range, especially based on his workout schedule,

Much like Shannon, I am sure that Illinois can compensate Hawkins very well and would take him back. Their reported interest in Aziz Bandaogo certainly lends credence to Hawkins not being back as a possibility. However, there is still an age of time in college basketball between now and when he might make that decision. It’s a win-win for Illinois, either they return a quality starter for his fourth year in the program, or they add another draft pick to their growing roster in the NBA.