Terrence Shannon Jr.

Lore & Background

Shannon was born to Treanette Redding and Terrence Shannon Sr. His mother and father separated when he was two years old. He has four siblings through his mom and three through his dad. He attended Lincoln Park High School in Chicago, averaging 15 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game as a senior. He was also a receiver on the school's football team. After having no NCAA Division I basketball scholarship offers by the end of his senior season, he reclassified to the 2019 class and moved to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. A four-star recruit, he originally committed to DePaul before switching his commitment to Texas Tech. He was selected with the 27th overall pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2024 NBA draft, and on July 8, he signed with Minnesota.

In Their Own Story

The arena lights hummed overhead as Shannon Jr. sprinted up the hardwood for a fast break. With Timberwolves fans roaring in the background, he caught a deft pass near the three-point line, rose with explosive force, and finished with a thunderous dunk that shook the rim. In that split second of flight, the noise faded, leaving only the sound of his own determination echoing off the target.

Reader's Guide

Shannon played college basketball for Texas Tech (2019–2022) and Illinois (2022–2024). He earned Big 12 All-Freshman Team honors in 2020, Third-team All-Big 12 in 2021, and multiple All-Big Ten honors. He holds several Illinois Fighting Illini records, including single-season points (736) and free throws made (212). In the NBA, he recorded his first double-double on February 24, 2025, with 17 points and 10 rebounds. His career-high 33 points came on April 8, 2026, against the Orlando Magic. He scored a playoff career-high 24 points in a Game 6 victory over the Denver Nuggets on April 30, 2026.

Did You Know?

• Shannon was a receiver on his high school football team.
• He originally committed to DePaul before switching to Texas Tech.
• He was suspended for six games during the 2023–24 season at Illinois due to a rape accusation, but was later acquitted.
• His Illinois jersey number 0 was unveiled in a halftime ceremony on February 15, 2025, initially hung upside down due to an athletic department error.
• He holds the Big Ten men's basketball tournament single-game record for most points scored (40).