Angel Reese supported former Illinois guard Terrence Shannon Jr. at his 2024 NBA Draft party in Chicago on Wednesday as the first round got underway at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
The Sky rookie and Shannon Jr. — who was selected No. 27 overall by the Timberwolves after being found not guilty of felony rape and aggravated assault by a Kansas jury earlier this month — shared a hug with Reese while mingling with guests, as seen in a video by WCIA News in Chicago.
It’s unclear how Reese, who’s averaging a double-double in her rookie season, and Shannon Jr. know each other.
However, Reese has been adamant about supporting fellow pros in Chicago, including friend Caleb Williams, whom the Bears selected with the No. 1 overall pick in April’s NFL draft.
Shannon Jr. hosted about 100 people at his downtown party, including Illinois head coach Brad Underwood and some of his former Illini teammates.
Former Texas Tech coach Chris Beard sported a ‘TSJ’ T-shirt at the party, according to WCIA Chicago.
The 6-foot-6 guard began his collegiate career at Texas Tech in 2019 before committing to Illinois in 2022.
“It hit me like a bowling ball. I didn’t know if I would cry cause I haven’t cried in a long time but yeah it hit me. Just happy, my dream came true and now it’s time to go to work,” Shannon Jr. said after NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called his name.
Shannon Jr.’s draft selection comes months after he was arrested in December following an alleged incident at a Kansas bar last September, with a woman claiming he touched her under her skirt.
He was visiting Kansas for a football game between the Illini and the Jayhawks at the time.
Shannon Jr. was charged with rape or an alternative count of sexual battery, which resulted in him serving a six-game suspension.
A federal judge later ruled that Shannon Jr.’s civil rights had been violated and reinstated him, per The Associated Press.
Illinois dropped its own investigation, citing a lack of evidence.
Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly explained that the organization “did a ton” research on Shannon Jr. before drafting him.
“The off-court reputation is sterling. Talk to the coaches at Texas Tech. Talk to the coaches at Illinois. They don’t say good things. They say amazing things,” Connelly said, adding that Minnesota was interested in Shannon Jr.’s versatile scoring ability. “Obviously he was on the wrong end of a really unfortunate situation, and his ability to play through that and play winning basketball for a great coach in Brad Underwood — we just think he brings toughness.”
“… Oftentimes, the minute you’re accused you’re found guilty. Thankfully he went the legal process. He chose to go to trial because he knew he did nothing wrong. I just think it’s a shame he went through that, and I think it’s a testament to who he is as a kid and his ability to play through a really tough distraction.”
A fifth-year senior out of Illinois, Shannon Jr. averaged 23.0 points and 4.0 rebounds in 31 games this past season.
He played a pivotal role in helping his team reach the Elite Eight before losing to eventual national champion UConn.
“I think he’s a three-position defender. I think he’s an unbelievably competitive guy. He’s got size. Another downhill guy who’s going to play with pace,” Connelly said.
