Illinois basketball got a big boost as two key contributors from last season's 20-win team will be returning after announcing they are withdrawing from the NBA draft.
Terrence Shannon, Jr. announced his return Wednesday night in a social media post. The 6-6 guard is returning for a fifth college season after averaging 17.2 points.
Shannon transferred to Illinois last year from Texas Tech. He was heavily recruited to Illinois out of high school.
Soon after the announcement of Shannon's return to Illinois, Coleman Hawkins also announced he would be withdrawing from the NBA draft and returning to the Illini next year.
Hawkins started all 33 games this season and was third on the team in scoring (9.9 points) and led the Illini in rebounding (6.3), assists (3.0) and minutes (32.5). He also averaged 1.2 blocks per game, which ranked 15th in the Big Ten. Hawkins has shown the ability to shoot but shot 28 percent on 3-pointers this season but 44.1 percent overall from the floor.
Illinois boasted a deep roster in 2022-23 and should have plenty of experience and depth to draw on again this upcoming season.
Illinois added Southern Illinois transfer wing Marcus Domask, Oregon transfer forward Quincy Guerrier and Utah Valley transfer guard Justin Harmon.
The Illini also return center Dain Dainja, wings Luke Goode and Ty Rodgers and guards Sencire Harris and Niccolo Moretti.
The returns of Hawkins and Shannon also improve the Illini's pitch to Toledo transfer point guard RayJ Dennis, the MAC Player of the Year.
Illinois also anticipates the arrival Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year Amani Hansberry and four-star guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn.
