Sports

Former Illinois Star Terrence Shannon Jr. Leans Into Jersey Retirement Gaffe To Support Good Cause

#Terrence Shannon Jr.
by

Terrence Shannon Jr. in an interview after a Minnesota Timberwolves game.

© Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images


Carbonatix Pre-Player Loader

Audio By Carbonatix

Former Illinois basketball star Terrence Shannon Jr. had his jersey retired over the weekend during a game between the Illini and Big Ten foe Michigan State. That ceremony went poorly due to a major gaffe on the university’s part.

Shannon’s jersey was unveiled upside down before being hung in the rafters. Despite the hiccup, the NBA hooper has taken everything in stride.

While in Champaign, the guard averaged 20.2 points per game across two seasons. He transferred to Illinois after beginning his career at Texas Tech.

As a senior, he was briefly suspended for an alleged assault which forced him to file a temporary restraining order against his own school in order to return to the court. He succeeded and was later found not guilty on the charges.

On the court, Shannon helped lead the Illini to the Elite Eight in 2024. His success and resilience amid adversity led to his being honored on Saturday.

Unfortunately, it didn’t go quite as planned. AD Josh Whitman apologized for the “regrettable moment” after the fact.

“It’s a shame… There are certain moments where mistakes can’t happen… We stole that moment from Terrence.”

-Josh Whitman

Terrence Shannon Jr. doesn’t seem too upset by the unfortunate error. In fact, he’s leaning into it! On Tuesday, he unveiled new merchandise with that “upside-down” theme.

Proceeds from the shirt will benefit a Boys and Girls Club in Champaign. Shannon has taken a negative and turned it into positive outreach.

The NBA superstar could’ve been ticked by the mix-up. Instead, he’s embracing it.