Illinois AD ready to 'make an exception' for Terrence Shannon Jr. as Illini decides to retire star guard's jersey

Despite his tenure not meeting the program’s criteria, Illinois is ready to make an exception to have Terrence Shannon Jr.'s jersey retired in the rafters at State Farm Center. Director of Athletics Josh Whitman told this to the media on Thursday after informing Shannon of the news on Wednesday night.

Whitman admitted that Shannon does not meet any of the school's six criteria for having their jersey hung, which include being National Player of the Year, Big Ten Player of the Year, and Consensus First- or Second Team All-American. He was not a consensus selection last year amid the ongoing charge of misdemeanor sexual battery and felony rape charge on Terrence Shannon.

However, the 23-year-old was found innocent last week in court, sparking the ongoing initiative to honor one of the school's great players.

"He had one of the greatest single seasons in the history of Illinois basketball," Whitman explained. "Arguably, the greatest season in the history of Illinois basketball," he added.

"We all understand now that there were factors beyond his control that prevented those votes from being where they needed to be in order for him to satisfy the criteria, and we're happy to make an exception in this case to recognize one of the great players that this program has ever seen," he said.

Moreover, Brad Underwood, the Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball coach, recently doubled on the program's honor for Shannon. Underwood released a statement on X, citing Shannon's qualities, camaraderie and impact on the court.

The program will invite Terrence Shannon to the arena at "an appropriate time" to mount his #0 jersey in the rafters in front of their 15,500 fans.

Looking at Terrence Shannon Jr.'s 2023-24 season with the Fighting Illini

Terrence Shannon Jr. posted an average of 23 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 0.9 blocks last season. His scoring was the third-best in the nation and was the most by an Illinois player in the last 50 years. The only player to surpass Shannon’s average was Nick Weatherspoon with 25 points per game in 1973.

Moreover, Shannon led the Fighting Illini to the Big Ten Tournament title. He also averaged 23.3 points on 51% shooting throughout the NCAA Tournament as the institution saw its first Elite Eight game in 19 years.