Illinois basketball: Star Illini guard gaining preseason recognition

One of the Illinois basketball team’s most dynamic players is already getting some high praise going into the 2023-24 season.

Senior guard Terrence Shannon Jr. has been included in two lists by NCAA March Madness analyst Andy Katz.

He was listed as No. 6 in Katz’s Top 10 Shooting Guards list and named to the Preseason All-Big Ten team last week.

ESPN also showed Shannon some love last week.  The guard was named as the top competition for Zach Edey – 2022-23 Wooden Award winner – to win Big Ten Player of the Year.

Illinois basketball guard Terrence Shannon Jr. has a big year ahead

Shannon led the Illini with 17.2 points and 1.3 steals per game during the 2022-23 season.  The senior also tallied 4.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and shot just over 44% from the field.  He was named first-team All-Big Ten last season and will look to live up to the hype again this year.

After declaring for the 2023 NBA Draft, where he received advice and feedback from NBA scouts, Shannon – along with senior forward Coleman Hawkins – decided in May to return for another season. The two return to an Illini squad that will have many new faces on the floor this coming campaign.

Among those unfamiliar faces are transfer fifth-year seniors Quincy Guerrier, Marcus Domask, and Justin Harmon.  The newcomers also include four-star freshman Amani Hansberry, the No. 61 overall prospect for the 2023 class.

The Illini tip-off the new season against Eastern Illinois on November 6.  Game time is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CT.  Before that, fans will get a glimpse of the team when they take on fellow “blue blood” Kansas in an exhibition game on October 29.