Illini fans, you got your guy! There have been several publications naming former Illinois (Lincoln Park) product Terrence Shannon Jr. as the best player in the 2022 transfer portal. And, as of today, he's an Illini!

IlliniGuys insider Brad Sturdy and I have made it clear that if the Illini could land Shannon, he would be a difference maker on a roster full of big-time athletes. Not since the 1989 Flyin' Illini has Illinois had players of this caliber.

Shannon is a pure athlete with a do-it-all game; the 6-foot-6 guard/wing will be able to play several key positions on the court along with 6-foot-7 sophomore RJ Melendez and incoming recruit 6-foot-6, 210-pound freshman Ty Rodgers. Shannon adds length and guys who play above rim, but can shoot it, which will drive opponents crazy trying to defend them.

Treanette Redding, the mother of Terrence, shared previously: "I support my son. I was a big Texas Tech fan; he enjoyed his time there. But we also followed Illinois closely. It's our home state university. I watched a lot of their games. The program is in a lot different place now than it was when he was in high school."

Shannon averaged 10.4 ppg, 2.6 rebounds and shot 46 percent from the field.

By Illinois’ landing Shannon, once again sends a powerful message not only to the Big Ten but to the rest of the country that Illinois can recruit with the big boys.

Kentucky, Michigan, and UConn all have expressed interest in him joining their roster. Shannon is a slasher, fast, and excels in the open court, which is why all those involved with Shannon wanted him on their roster.

Illinois has lost several players to the transfer portal, most recently Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk. But expect the Illini to pursue other top notch players in the portal each minute as players enter and watch the May 1 deadline.

Shannon is going to be special to watch on the sidelines at Illinois. This roster is looking more and more like the powerhouses that advanced in the NCAA Tournament.

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