Illinois Basketball: Terrence Shannon Jr Rising in NBA Mock Drafts

Illinois Basketball: Terrence Shannon Jr Rising in NBA Mock Drafts

Illinois Basketball star, Terrence Shannon Jr, has been rising in recent NBA Mock Drafts. The first round of the 2024 NBA draft is in less than one week and Shannon Jr is hoping to make Illinois Basketball history. For starters, if Shannon Jr goes in the first round, he will be the first Illini since Meyers Leonard in 2012. Shannon Jr is a no-doubt NBA talent at 6 foot 6, 215 pounds. However, his age certainly puts a cap on his potential as a first-round draft pick.

It has been one week since the Illinois basketball star was found Not Guilty of Rape and sexual battery. The verdict has allowed Shannon Jr to rise back into the conversations of the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft. Per the News-Herald, the latest mock draft lists Shannon Jr as the 25th pick. A recent mock draft from Yahoo Sports, has Shannon Jr going to the Knicks, however, via the 24th pick. And finally, Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report has the Washington Wizards drafting Terrence Shannon Jr with the 26th pick.

The Right Situation

© Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Certainly, hearing your name in the first round is an honor to behold. However, there have been plenty of successful second-round picks in recent years. These players tend to be older players who go to the right situations. Former Illinois basketball star, Ayo Dosunmu, is the perfect example. Dosunmu is entering year four on the Chicago Bulls and earned the opportunity to play a key role. Ayo signed a 3-year, 21-million-dollar extension last summer and broke out towards the end of his third year. Other players such as Herbert Jones and Jalen Brunson have had great NBA careers due to the situation they started in.

As long as Shannon Jr lands on a team that can utilize his blazing athleticism and speed, he will have a successful NBA career.

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 [email protected].