Good news washed over The University of Illinois on Thursday. Terrence Shannon Jr. — the Illinois basketball guard who was accused of rape last year — was found not guilty after months of legal proceedings. Many were relieved, including Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood and the school's director of athletics, Josh Whitman. Following the jury's verdict, both men immediately released statements on the decision.

Underwood spoke about how thrilled he was for Shannon, adding that the Illinois basketball program would continue to support their senior guard moving forward. (per The News-Gazette's Scott Richey)

“I am thrilled for Terrence with the news of today's verdict. Under six months of intense scrutiny, Terrence has shown tremendous composure, maturity, and focus. He can now put this behind him and move on with his life. I, along with everyone in our Illinois basketball program, will continue to offer Terrence our full support as he looks to fulfill his NBA dream.”

Whitman also shared similar sentiments following the verdict.

“All of us who know and care about Terrence breathed a tremendous sigh of relief with the announcement of today's not guilty verdict. This has been a very serious and unfortunate situation for all parties involved, and I am happy for Terrence that it has been resolved and his name has been cleared. We look forward to cheering for him as he begins his NBA journey.”

More on Terrence Shannon Jr. and Illinois basketball

The accusations happened back in December, which led to the 6-foot-6 guard being suspended by The University of Illinois. Shannon then sued his school in hopes of being able to play amid the ongoing case. He was eventually allowed to suit up after being granted a temporary restraining order. Shannon missed six games due to the suspension.

Despite the ordeal, Shannon played his best season with Illinois this past year. In 32 games, he averaged 23.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game.

The Fighting Illini finished the regular season with a 26-8 overall record (14-6 in-conference), granting them a third-seed placing in the March Madness tournament. After cruising past Morehead State and Duquesne in the first two rounds, Illinois carved out a close victory over number-two-seeded Iowa State in the Sweet 16. They would end their campaign with an Elite Eight loss to UConn.

With the case now behind him, Terrence Shannon Jr. can fully focus on his career. He's predicted by many to be a first-round selection, and that may very well hold true come June 26.