Terrence Shannon Leads Illinois Basketball into New Jersey

Illinois Basketball will start Big Ten play this upcoming weekend. After a couple of easy opponents, Illinois will start to rev up the level of competition. After playing the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on the road, Illinois basketball will head to Madison Square Garden to play Florida Atlantic. Florida Atlantic is a top-15 team that is fresh off a final-four appearance. After that, Illinois will head to Knoxville to take on Tennessee. Tennessee has struggled recently, however, they were a unanimous top-10 team in the preseason rankings. The road stretch is a huge test for the Illini, as they hope to assert themselves as one of the best teams in the Big Ten conference.

They will need their star players to show up big. Their star forward, Coleman Hawkins, is currently recovering from a knee injury. As a result, Terrence Shannon Jr immediately skyrockets to the top of every scouting report. The Illinois Basketball star is ready for the smoke.

Big Words for a Big Time Player.

.@srrichey wondered if Terrence Shannon Jr. and the #illini have plans for their free time during their extended trip out east.

Shannon: "I'm not going to New York and New Jersey to have fun. I'm there to win." pic.twitter.com/jHW5LXzT5N

— Joey Wagner (@mrwagner25) December 1, 2023

In an interview with the Illinois media, Terrence Shannon Jr said “I’m not going to New York and New Jersey to have fun. I’m there to win.” In his second year in Champaign, Terrence Shannon Jr seems much more comfortable as a vocal leader. After spending three years at Texas Tech, Shannon Jr took some time to acclimate as the leader of the Illinois basketball squad. He now seems to have embraced that role and looks to show his skills on the national stage against big-time opponents.

Time to prove yourself.

As Illinois faces tougher opponents, I am hoping that Terrence can show some wrinkles to his game. Teams know that he wants to go strong to the basket and get downhill with his left hand. On the road, Shannon Jr will have to show his mid-range game and play efficient basketball. When Illinois was at its best, Ayo Dosunmu consistently brought his A-game on the road. As a result, Illinois basketball re-established itself with some big-time road wins. Nonetheless, Terrence will need some help. Marcus Domask, Quincy Guerrier, and Dain Dainja all need to bring their A-game. Outside of Luke Goode, these are the three players who have shown a capability of carrying an offensive load.

Jersey Mike’s Arena is one of the toughest venues to play. If Illinois can play efficient, turnover-free ball, they will have a chance to tack on a massive roadwin to their resume.

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