'NBA-ready' Illinois basketball star is headed to Minnesota. Here's how social media reacted

Illinois basketball star Terrence Shannon Jr. was selected No. 27 overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2024 NBA Draft on Wednesday night in Brooklyn.

Shannon, 23, is an elite scorer who averaged 23.04 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game at Illinois last season, leading the Fighting Illini to the NCAA Elite Eight. His draft stock dropped after he was accused of rape, but Shannon was found not guilty following a June trial. Since the trial, Shannon earned the University of Illinois' Male Athlete of the Year award and learned he will have his No. 0 retired by the school.

Now, he's an NBA draft pick. Here is what social media was saying about the pick:

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Terrence Shannon Jr. is already feeling Minnesota

The Illini account with the Big Ten Network pointed out that Shannon already is comfortable at Target Center — home to the NBA's Timberwolves. Shannon dropped 40 points there in the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament this season on the way to the title. He averaged 34.0 points in the tournament.

Party time in Chicago for Terrence Shannon Jr.

Shannon had a star-studded NBA draft party Wednesday night in Chicago, according to footage from Bret Beherns of WCIA-TV. The crowd included Chicago Sky player Angel Reese, Illinois coach Brad Underwood and Shannon's previous college coach, Chris Beard, who wore a T-shirt featuring Shannon.

When Shannon got the call from Minnesota, he was congratulated by friends and family as flashes went off and a smile went across his face. He then hugged multiple people as his name was chanted and everyone celebrated.

Terrence Shannon Jr. is 'NBA-ready'

Timberwolves Clips is already impressed with Shannon, sharing a dynamic clip of him driving baseline for a dunk during a home game against Marquette.

"Terrence Shannon Jr. is an NBA-ready two-way wing, (plus) a great fit with the Wolves off the bench," the account @WolvesClips wrote. "TSJ is incredible in transition, an outstanding driver, a solid on-ball defender, and a capable catch-and-shoot (and) pull-up shooter. Those skills will fit especially well in Minnesota."

Jeremy Werner of Illini Inquirer broke down all the perspectives about Shannon's selection, pointing out he is the first Illinois player to be drafted in the first round since Meyers Leonard went No. 11 overall in 2012.

"Shannon's tenacity and two-way ability should play well with an Anthony Edwards-led team that is trying to compete for an NBA championship," Werner wrote. "Shannon is a physically imposing guard whose biggest impact could be made on defense at the next level."

Minnesota Timberwolves are draft winners

Many of the commentators called Shannon's selection at No. 27 a steal. Couple that with Minnesota trading up to select Kentucky's Rob Dillingham at No. 8? Some see a team ready to challenge for the NBA title after making the Western Conference finals in 2024.

"Got the best scorer in the entire draft to play alongside Anthony Edwards for the next decade," NBAdraftpoint wrote of Dillingham. "What a steal for Minny. ... Shannon is also an instant impact wing for this team to play instantly and help in the playoffs."

Charlie Walton of SB Nation's Canis Hoopus loves what Minnesota did to its offense with the two picks, calling it a productive first round.

"Dillingham has the potential to impact winning right away with his offense," Walton wrote, "while Shannon, equipped with raw defensive chops and excellent rim-running tendencies, is most likely a pick for the future."

What will Terrence Shannon Jr. make in the NBA?

According to Spotrac, Shannon slots in with a deal potentially worth $13.1 million. According to Illini Inquirer, Shannon will make $2.63 million as a rookie and $2.76 million his second season. Those are guaranteed. Minnesota then has team options worth $2.8 million and $5.1 million the next two seasons.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Social media reaction to Minnesota pick Terrence Shannon Jr. in NBA Draft