NBA
Watch: Former Illinois basketball star Terrence Shannon has monster debut in NBA Summer League
Terrence Shannon Jr. made his Las Vegas Summer League debut in style.
The former Illinois basketball star threw down a dunk over a New Orleans center, Yves Missi, on a fast-break attempt and then a couple of minutes later followed it up with a block of guard Jermaine Cousinard on a pull-up attempt on Friday at the Pavilion in Las Vegas for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
REQUIRED READING: Meet the 27 Illinois athletes on Team USA for the 2024 Paris Olympics
That was only the beginning of a monster debut for Shannon ― the 27th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. The former Fighting Illini guard finished with 25 points on 9-for-14 shooting, three rebounds, two blocks, a steal and three turnovers in 28 minutes in an 81-74 Timberwolves win. Shannon shot 6-of-8 from the line and made one of his four 3-point attempts.
Shannon was widely projected as a potential lottery pick following a season where he averaged 23 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists, leading the Fighting Illini to the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight. Shannon, 24, was one of the older players in the 2024 NBA Draft and also faced charges for rape and aggravated sexual battery during the year. The charges were dropped on June 13.
Minnesota will play the Indiana Pacers at 4:30 p.m. CT Saturday. The game will be broadcast on NBATV and the ESPN+ app.
“He is physically ready. We love his downhill ability, physical offensive player, hits first, gets to the free throw line,” Minnesota head coach Chris Finch said during the ESPN broadcast. “We’ve been really, really impressed with him so far in the training camp leading up to this and his start is a good one.”
Here are some highlights and stats from Shannon’s NBA Las Vegas Summer League debut on Friday:
Watch: Terrence Shannon dunks over Yves Missi
On a broken play early in the first quarter, Daishen Nix chased down a loose ball in transition. He quickly found Shannon storming down the court. Defender Missi ― the No. 21 overall pick ― had a six-step headstart on Shannon, but Shannon made the highlight-reel play.
“I wish I could do some s— like that,” Minnesota lottery pick and former Kentucky basketball star Rob Dillingham said. “That was cold, for sure.”
Watch: Full highlights from Terrence Shannon’s Las Vegas NBA Summer League debut
Shannon also added his lone 3-pointer off an assist from Dillingham in the first quarter and a dunk off a steal in the second quarter. Then another left-handed fast-break dunk came off Dillingham’s assist in the second half. He had eight points in the fourth quarter.
“Honestly, I didn’t feel that good. It could be better,” Shannon said during his postgame interview on ESPN. “It’s just the first game. We’re just warming up … I’m just doing everything I’m asked: defending, running out in transition. Just asking their coaches what they need from me and executing that.”
Here’s a look at the full highlights from his Las Vegas Summer League debut:
From Stadium to Screen: How Technology is Changing Sports Viewing
20/7/2024 Horse Racing Tips and Best Bets – Flemington, Flemington Cup day
Indian tech hub Karnataka state’s move to reserve jobs for locals not finalised, chief minister says
Financial picture dramatically improves for Shamrock Rovers in 48 hours with Sinclair Armstrong deal and European win
Our fashion editor’s favourite affordable bag is 20% off today
Jay Shah’s Big Decision Hovers Over Cricket’s Associate Member Directors Election
Budget shampoo that adds MAJOR volume boost is on sale for Amazon Prime Day: ‘Your hair feels fuller and thicker’
Being active on your commute lowers risk of disease and mental health
Tiger Woods cops brutal Open schedule as full Round 1 tee times revealed
