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Illinois Basketball: 5 observations from the Illini win over Florida Atlantic

By Rees Woodcock

Dec 5, 2023; New York, New York, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) reacts during the first half against the Florida Atlantic Owls at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2023; New York, New York, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) reacts during the first half against the Florida Atlantic Owls at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 5, 2023; New York, New York, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) is fouled by Florida Atlantic Owls center Vladislav Goldin (50) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2023; New York, New York, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) is fouled by Florida Atlantic Owls center Vladislav Goldin (50) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Terrence Shannon Jr. continues to strengthen his John R. Wooden Award candidacy

Tuesday night belonged to Marcus Domask. He was sensational and a huge reason why Illinois was able to take down No. 11 Florida Atlantic. While Domask was having an incredible game, Terrence Shannon Jr. was quietly strengthening his position for the John R. Wooden Award.

Coming into the game against Florida Atlantic, Shannon’s previous career high in a game was 30 points. He hit that mark with the Illini against Monmouth back in November 2022. I figured Shannon would put up another solid night on the court, as I took the over 16.5 points for the star guard, but I didn’t think anyone saw a new career high being set.

Shannon was sensational against the Owls, going for a new high-water mark of 33 points. He managed to get to 33 points on 10-of-14 shooting from the field and 2-of-5 from three-point range. Shannon also added two assists, one rebound, and one block while hitting 11-of-13 from the free throw line.

I mentioned this in previous observation articles, but the development of Shannon’s game from last season to this year has been incredible. He is much more controlled. When he enters the lane, he has the body control to finish with either hand while taking hits. Last season, Shannon wasn’t great at finishing around the hoop.

The biggest thing that probably sticks out to me the most about Shannon’s development is between the ears. He is a smarter basketball player this season. He isn’t taking terrible three-point shots. He is more square to the basket and isn’t taking off-balance crazy shots that don’t go in.

I used to not like watching Shannon because he was so reckless on the basketball court. Now, I believe he is one of the, if not the, best players in the college game. His 33-point performance against a top-15 team in Florida Atlantic only strengthened his standing for the John R. Wooden Award at the season’s end.

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