Terrence Shannon Jr. greets Brad Underwood & Chris Beard at his draft party in Chicago

Terrence Shannon Jr. is celebrating a big night as he awaits his new home in the 2024 NBA draft. The potential first-round pick did not receive his invite to the green room at the Barclays Center in New York, so his draft party is in Chicago.

The big night saw Illinois Fighting Illini coach, Brad Underwood and Ole Miss Rebels coach, Chris Beard, joining in.

The former Illinois guard was recently caught in legal troubles as he was charged with rape, aggravated and sexual battery by the Kansas Police. However, he was found not guilty on all the charges.

Some analysts and fans were doubtful if the changes, despite the not guilty, would affect Terrence Shannon Jr.'s chances at the NBA draft. As for now, he is still a predicted first-round pick.

Terrence Shannon Jr.: player profile and draft predictions

Terrence Shannon Jr. played five seasons in college, spending his first three at Texas Tech and his remaining years at Illinois. His performance reached impressive levels when he played for the Fighting Illini and he had his career-best averages as a graduate senior.

He averaged 23.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting 47.5% from the floor including 36.2% from the three-point range. Terrence Shannon Jr. played a crucial role in Illinois' 2024 March Madness run as he helped the team reach the Elite Eight for the first time since 2005. For his efforts, Illinois is reported to retire his jersey, despite not meeting the criteria.

Most mock drafts predict Shannon Jr. to go somewhere between No. 20 and No. 25. Bleacher Reports' Jonathan Wasserman, who predicts the guard to be picked No. 24, wrote in the latest report:

“His speed, explosion and open-floor handle will surely translate to easy transition baskets, foul shots and half-court blow bys. His one-on-one offense is still fairly predictable—he's either driving hard or settling for a contested pull-up.”

Sports Illustrated, on the other hand, predicts Terernce Shannon Jr, to be a No. 20 pick, going to the Cleveland Cavaliers. This is largely because of their newly selected coach, Kenny Atkinson.

"Atkinson is known for his offenses being predicated on pace and space. As head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, it was evident that the half-court offense lacked set plays. Instead, there was initial movement and the players would then look to find the best shot available by reading the defense.

"Having some aggressive drivers on the floor helps because as that player drives to the hoop and the defense collapses, there should be an open teammate. Shannon Jr.'s fearlessness and eagerness to drive could free up open threes for Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell."

What are your predictions for Terrence Shannon Jr. in the draft? Share them in the comment section below.