Illinois' Terrence Shannon Has Handled Season Of Adversity Like A "Professional"

Illinois Fighting Illini guard Terrence Shannon was suspended six games earlier this season amid rape allegations

Illinois guard Terrence Shannon has kept a low profile since rejoining the team in late January.

He hasn't spoken to the media in more than three months. The only talking he's done has been on the court.

The Illini have kept the focus on basketball since Shannon was suspended six games in December because of rape allegations. He rejoined the team after a federal judge reinstated him. The alleged incident occurred Sept. 9 in Lawrence, Kan., while the Illini football team was in town playing the Jayhawks.

Illinois coach Brad Underwood said Shannon has dealt with the situation well.

"Great. He's handled it like a professional," Underwood said. "He knows there's a serious situation out there. He's been an unbelievable teammate but he's been great. He's handled it. His work ethic hasn't changed. It took him a little bit to come back because he's a great, been very professional."

Shannon, who scored a career-high 40 points in Saturday's victory against Nebraska, leads the Illini in today's Big Ten tournament championship versus Wisconsin. The Illini have already clinched an at-large berth but a win would help improve their seeding the NCAA Tournament. 

Here's the game preview:

Game time: 2:30 pm., CT

Where: Target Center, Minneapolis

TV: Big Ten Network, CBS

Betting line: Illinois -3

VITALS: The Illini pulled off their second straight comeback victory in the tournament. After rallying from 10 down against Ohio State in the quarterfinals, they came back from 15 versus Nebraska in the semifinals. Guard Terrence Shannon had a career-high 40 points, which was a Big Ten tournament record. He was 11 of 22 from the field and 13 of 16 from the foul line. Marcus Domask finished with 16 points and reserve Luke Goode had 12, including two key second-half 3-pointers. Wisconsin knocked off top-seeded Purdue in the other semifinal thanks to a late basket by guard Chucky Hepburn in overtime. This is the first meeting between the teams in the title game. The tournament series is tied at 3.

PROJECTED STARTERS

FIGHTING ILLINI

G Ty Rodgers

G Terrence Shannon Jr

C Coleman Hawkins

F Marcus Domask

F Quincy Guerrier

BADGERS

F Tyler Wahl

F AJ Storr

C Steven Crowl

G Max Klesmit

G Chucky Hepburn

INJUY REPORT

FIGHTING ILLINI

Max Williams: Out - Undisclosed

BADGERS

Isaac Lindsey: Questionable - Undisclosed

QUOTABLE

Illinois forward Ty Rodgers on Terrence Shannon: "Nobody can stop him. I think he's the best player in the country by far. When he's in that mode, you can't get him out. I think in transition, he's electric. Guys don't have answers for him. He's showing why he's the best player in the country."

What They're Saying About Illinois Guard Terrence Shannon's Record-Setting Game

Shandel Richardson is the publisher for Illini Now. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com

What They're Saying About Illinois Guard Terrence Shannon's Record-Setting Game

Shandel Richardson is the publisher of Illini Now. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com 

Terrence Shannon's Big Ten Tourney-Record 40 Points Leads Illinois Past Nebraska

Shandel Richardson is the publisher of Illini Now. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com