The Illinois basketball team fell short of its ultimate goals of a Final Four and national championship, but former Texas Tech transfer Terrence Shannon still made his mark on the Fighting Illini program.

Coach Brad Underwood offered a humble message of support and gratitude on Thursday, with a request for the Illini basketball family on behalf of his departing star player.

Coach Underwood's words came during a time when the Illinois athletic director revealed his stance on a possible honor for Shannon. Illini star Coleman Hawkins transferred to Kansas State after an outrageously high NIL deal that sent shockwaves through the college basketball scene (Hawkins also spoke with Underwood recently).

Underwood's message was viewed nearly 40,000 times as of Thursday with fans reveling in the nostalgia and gratitude shared by the Illinois basketball coach.

Underwood's Touching Message 

Brad Underwood got real on what Shannon meant to his Illini.

Underwood's touching message included a request that Shannon's Illini jersey be hung in the rafters at the State Farm Center in Champaign, Illinois.

“After one of the best single seasons in Illinois history, Terrence cemented himself his place among our Illini greats,” Underwood said.

“I'm thrilled his legacy will be celebrated not just in the record books, but in State Farm Center with our future fans and Illini.”

Underwood also called Shannon one of the great workers, competitors and leaders he's coached during his time with the Big Ten school.

“Proud of you, 0,” Underwood concluded. “Your name belongs in the rafters forever.”

Illinois Basketball Star Shannon's NBA Draft Prospects

Shannon has been projected anywhere between from pick 15 to 30 in the first round of recent NBA mock drafts. An athletic prospect with versatile skills, he reminds many of former Lakers shooting guard Shannon Brown but with a more smooth skillset and perhaps even better three-point shooting.

Shannon's ceiling could be much higher than Brown's considering the wealth of experience he gained in college with two major conference programs. Shannon was forced to carry a heavy load with both Texas Tech and Illinois.

The Brad Underwood protege could be looked back upon as one of the biggest steals of the 2024 NBA Draft when it's all said and done. He doesn't have a Stretch Armstrong wingspan or the hype of an international prospect whom scouts have only seen play a handful of times, but he has the maturity and intangibles to contribute immediately to whichever team selects him in the first round of June 26's Draft.