Ex-Illini Star Terrence Shannon Jr. Puts On Show In NBA Summer League Debut For T-Wolves

Zachary Draves | Jul 14, 2024

Mar 30, 2024; Boston, MA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) dribbles the ball against the Connecticut Huskies in the finals of the East Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports / Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Former Illini standout Terrence Shannon Jr. waisted no time in his first NBA summer league game as a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves in their matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans.

In the first quarter, Daishen Nix stole the ball in transition and found Shannon Jr. cutting toward the lane. It resulted in a left-handed slam over the Pelicans' Yves Missi. That moment became an instant highlight reel as well as Shannon Jr.'s first basket of the game.

From there, Shannon Jr. helped lead the Timberwolves to a 81-74 victory.

He finished with 25 points, three rebounds, two blocks, and one steal. He also shot 64 percent from the field in 27 minutes. Shannon, who was chosen with the No. 27 pick, could become the steal of the draft.

TERRENCE SHANNON JR. POSTER MINUTES INTO HIS SUMMER LEAGUE DEBUT ON ESPN2😳😳 #Illini pic.twitter.com/FxAfbZYElT

— Illini Muse (@IlliniMuse) July 12, 2024

Some are anticipating him and T-Wolves teammate Rob Dillingham becoming one of the league's top rookie duos. Dillingham, who was a lottery pick, finished with four points and five rebounds.

Shannon Jr. has talked before about wanting to do whatever it takes to help finally bring a championship to Minnesota. This first game, albeit summer league, is at least a sign of what is expected in a highly-anticipated season.

For Shannon, Friday left an everlasting memory of his first basket as an NBA player.

The Timberwolves (1-0) play against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday at 4:30 CST on NBATV.

Zachary Draves is a contributor to IlliniNow. He can be reached at zdraves1013@gmail.com and on Instagram @zdraves0633.

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