Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

June 29, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Treanette Redding is a basketball mom who watched her son Terrence Shannon Jr. blossom into a great player with an amazing college career. Shannon Jr.'s athleticism began to take off when he transferred to IMG Academy from Lincoln Park High School, and that's when Division I schools started to take notice.

Treanette Redding courtesy of her X

Shannon Jr. chose Texas Tech, where he had a stellar career. To this day, the Red Raiders hold a special place in the hearts of the Shannon family. Redding, a proud, strong woman, never wanted to admit it, but she's an orange-and-blue girl at heart—it's her state university.

Fast forward to today, in Shannon's final year, he planned to go out with a bang and show the world, including NBA GMs, just how good he is and perfected his game. Shannon Jr. broke numerous records this year at Illinois, feats that may never be surpassed.

On September 8, the Fighting Illini football team took on the Kansas Jayhawks in Lawrence, Kan. It was a night that would change Shannon's life forever. While with some friends, he was accused of rape days later.

On December 28, ESPN's Myron Medcalf published an article that shocked college basketball coast-to-coast. Medcalf wrote, "Illinois men's basketball star Terrence Shannon Jr. has been suspended from all team activities after he was charged with rape, the school announced Thursday."

After a legal case between Shannon Jr. and Illinois, he was able to play basketball again for Illinois. His first game back was on January 21 against Rutgers in Champaign, fans welcomed him with open arms. But after that, things changed in his first road game against Northwestern.

"I'm relieved it's over," Redding said. "TJ was under a lot of stress, producing great stats under duress, then having to sit in those arenas, listening to the chants. I'm just glad it's behind us. I hope he never has to endure anything like that again. I know TJ is relieved too; he will be able to live his life and try to pick up his life as if this never happened."

Not all fans heard what was said in the stands, but the most common chant broadcast on television networks was "No means no." But that wasn’t close to the worst things being said.

"Let me start by saying TJ is definitely stronger than I am," Redding added. "Every game, I wanted to cry. It was so hard to hear some of the things said. It was tough for me, but I had to be there to support my son. The worst arenas for me were Northwestern and Michigan State because I could see the anger and hatred on the faces of some fans. These weren’t just kids; there were adults too. It was very disheartening."

On several occasions, Shannon Jr. seemed to grow stronger from the negative comments. Illinois fans noticed this too, as each game, after an amazing play, his grimace or words showed how maturely he handled the situation. From day one, Redding knew her son was innocent because of the type of young man she raised. "I always knew he was innocent; there was never a doubt in my mind."

On June 13, Shannon Jr. appeared in court to hear the verdict: not guilty. Shannon Jr. didn’t jump and scream like most people might; he hugged those around him but kept his composure, feeling confident that he would be on the right side of the legal system.

"I am extremely relieved," Redding said. "His lifelong dream came true. TJ always wanted to play in the NBA. I remember for Christmas, he would write a little message inside the card that said, 'When I make it to the NBA, I got you, I got us.' It really was a relief to be a part of his dream coming true standing by his side."

Illinois head coach Brad Underwood played a big part in Shannon Jr.'s successful career, and Redding didn’t shy away from that. "Coach Underwood allowed TJ to be himself. He let him play his game freely, and I think that helped. He allowed him to showcase everything he was capable of."

The Minnesota Timberwolves drafted Shannon Jr. at number 27 in the 2024 NBA draft. The Illinois fans never let Terrence feel he was alone in this. Now, the Timberwolves franchise better be ready for the demand, because number 0 will be a hot commodity.

Follow me on Twitter @KedPrince4 

email: KedIlliniGuys@gmail.com