Terrence Shannon Jr. unveils Upside-down banner shirt

Saturday evening was about as tough of a night as it could get for any Illinois basketball fan. The Illini nation set the stage perfectly. It was a sold-out crowd and a buzzing environment that was ready for two events. First, they were ready to see their team take down one of the front runners in the Michigan State Spartans. Also, they looked ready to welcome home Terrence Shannon Jr. Shannon Jr. was going to have his jersey honored in the rafters after one of the best individual seasons in Illini basketball history. The start of the game truly delivered as the Illini got out to a fast start.

However, the Illini looked sloppy and unorganized heading into the half. That unfortunately was a sign of things to come.

The Upside Down Jersey

When Terrence Shannon Jr pulled the string to reveal his banner, the Jersey was hung upside down. This was a pretty serious mishap that became a viral moment on the internet. Athletic Director, Josh Whitman, handled it about as well as he could with his postgame comments, however, the Illini nation had a rather sour taste in their mouth. On top of that, Illinois basketball ended up losing the game after not scoring for the final nine minutes of the game. To make matters worse, freshman standout big Morez Johnson Jr. fell on his wrist and is now out indefinitely.

However, Terrence Shannon Jr. made light of the situation as he always does.

All Class and a Smile

Terrence Shannon Jr. released a t-shirt in collaboration with Gameday Spirit. The shirt is his banner upside-down, a moment that many were chastising on the internet, was made into a shirt with profits going to charity. All proceeds from the shirt will be going to the Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club in Champaign. Shannon Jr, who has dealt with as much adversity as anyone in the past year, had a simple message on the shirt:  “When Life has you Upside Down, turn it around”

When life has you upside down, turn it around⏳

Proceeds from my upside-down banner shirt will benefit the Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club. Thank you to Gameday Spirit and Illinois for helping me bring this idea to life!https://t.co/ObXbyh4eli pic.twitter.com/uM0LtX95i5

— Terrence Shannon Jr (@Sn1per_T) February 18, 2025

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