Illinois Basketball Stars Earn Big Ten Honors

Illinois Basketball Stars Earn Big Ten Honors

Illinois Basketball has had it good the past 5 years. During that time, Brad Underwood has had the best conference record alongside Matt Painter and has brought Illinois back to a consistent winning level. They have been blessed with strong star-power. From Ayo Dosunmu to Kofi Cockburn, Illinois Basketball has had two legends lead the way for 3 years. Terrence Shannon Jr, Marcus Domask, and Coleman Hawkins have led the way the past year and Illinois Basketball will finish second in the conference. Those three were all rewarded with Big Ten Honors today.

Terrence Shannon Jr

Terrence Shannon Jr has had quite the season. A whirlwind January definitely threw a wrench in the All-American’s season. However, Shannon Jr has returned to form before the legal events that stopped the clock on Illini nation. Shannon Jr earned first-team All-Big Ten honors. Terrence successfully took his game to the next level, much like Ayo Dosunmu did during his junior year. The Chicago native averaged 21.6 points on 46.9% fg percentage and 34.9% 3pt percentage. 

Coleman Hawkins

Coleman Hawkins also made a huge jump. After going through the NBA draft process, Hawkins came back to Illinois and showed major improvements despite not being 100 percent. Though Hawkins will need to show a better temperament and body language on the court, his passion is undeniable. Besides wearing his frustrations on his sleeve, Hawkins has shown so much more consistency and confidence with his game.  Hawkins has turned into a surefire NBA prospect while averaging 12.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1 block and 1.6 steals on a very solid 39.2% three-point percentage. 

Hawkins was snubbed from the defensive first team, however, did earn All-Big Third team.

Marcus Domask

Marcus Domask has been an absolute homerun of a transfer addition. Domask has blown away every single person’s expectations and turned into one of the best players in the entire Big Ten. Domask has been the perfect compliment to Shannon Jr and Coleman Hawkins. He has averaged 16.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while taking over as the primary ball-handler for Illinois Basketball. Domask made the All-Big Ten first team according to the coaches, however, the media did not vote for Domask there.

Regardless, All three players will be remembered for being stars of the Big Ten. Let’s hope that these three are able to go on a deep run in March.

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