Terrence Shannon picked in NBA Draft after not guilty verdict


University of Illinois basketball standout Terrence Shannon Jr hile testifying during his trial Thursday June 13, 2024. He was picked by the Minnesota Timberwolves at No. 27 in the NBA Draft. (Chris Conde/The Lawrence Journal-World via AP)

MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Timberwolves did some extra digging into Terrence Shannon Jr. before the NBA draft.

They found plenty of sources vouching for his character, bolstering their confidence in a dynamic player whose final season at Illinois was overshadowed by a rape charge he was recently exonerated of.

“The off-court reputation is sterling. Talk to the coaches at Texas Tech. Talk to the coaches at Illinois. They don’t say good things. They say amazing things,” Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly said Wednesday night after taking Shannon with the 27th overall pick in the first round. “Obviously he was on the wrong end of a really unfortunate situation, and his ability to play through that and play winning basketball for a great coach in Brad Underwood — we just think he brings toughness.”

READ: Teams keep trading light on opening night of 2-day NBA Draft

Shannon was found not guilty two weeks ago after a jury in Douglas County, Kansas, spent less than two hours deliberating the verdict. He was accused of sexual assault last September during a visit to Kansas for a football game between the Illini and the Jayhawks.

Connelly said the Timberwolves “did a ton” of background work on Shannon with an interest in his experience, fortitude and scoring ability from anywhere on the court.

“Oftentimes, the minute you’re accused you’re found guilty. Thankfully he went the legal process. He chose to go to trial because he knew he did nothing wrong,” Connelly said. “I just think it’s a shame he went through that, and I think it’s a testament to who he is as a kid and his ability to play through a really tough distraction.”

The 6-foot-6 Shannon, who turns 24 next month, can play both guard positions. He started his college career at Texas Tech before transferring to Illinois, leading the Illini to the Elite Elight in the NCAA Tournament before a loss to eventual national champion Connecticut. Shannon was voted first-team All-Big Ten and a third-team All-American by The Associated Press and was the Big Ten Tournament MVP for his performance in March at Target Center in Minneapolis, where he’ll now have his home games as a pro.

READ: NBA draft: France’s Alexandre Sarr, UConn’s Clingan headline big men

“I think he’s a three-position defender. I think he’s an unbelievably competitive guy. He’s got size. Another downhill guy who’s going to play with pace,” Connelly said.



Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.


Your subscription has been successful.

The Timberwolves were elated to get Shannon as a complement to Kentucky guard Rob Dillingham, whom they jumped in to trade for at No. 8 overall through a trade with San Antonio. The Western Conference runners-up could not have had a more productive draft night, considering they’re in no position to enhance the roster through trades or free agency with their salary-cap situation and desire to keep the core of the team together.

“You don’t take those two guys thinking how they’re going to match up together, but our challenge was to try to play a little bit faster in our second unit,” Connelly said, “and I think we got two of the fastest and most athletic and aggressive guys in the draft.”

Terrence Romeo determined to help San Miguel despite injury


San Miguel Beermen guard Terrence Romeo suits up in PBA Finals Game 4. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

SCHEDULE: 2024 PBA Philippine Cup semifinals

MANILA, Philippines—San Miguel Beer coach Jorge Gallent commended Terrence Romeo for playing through the pain in Game 4 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.

In the Beermen’s 111-101 conquest of Meralco, Romeo played significant minutes despite nursing an aching calf.

Gallent said that Romeo insisted on playing for the Beermen in hopes of avoiding a 3-1 rut.

“Terrence played well but I’m sure he’s not healthy yet but the kid just wants to win and help the team, that’s why he played now,” said Gallent at Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.

“[He’s still listed as] day-by-day. He just decided to play because he really wanted to help the team.”

In just 18 minutes of action, Romeo delivered like he wasn’t in pain with seven points, three assists and a rebound.

Still listed as day-to-day by San Miguel, Gallent said he’s just happy with how Romeo is treating the PBA Finals series even with an injury.

“I’m very happy that that’s his mentality. He talked to me yesterday and said he’ll try it and in case I bring him inside, he’ll give his 110, which he did now.”

“I told him, if there’s a chance that I can bring you inside, can you play at least a hundred percent? He did it today. Very happy that he followed the instructions.”



Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.


Your subscription has been successful.