It was supposed to be a moment of celebration for Illinois alumni Terrence Shannon Jr. and the University of Illinois as a whole. However, a massive mishap left fans shaking their heads in embarrassment.
Illini and basketball fans alike let their reactions be known.
What Are Fans Saying About Terrence Shannon’s Jersey Ceremony?
With all the individual success Shannon achieved and his contributions to the program, you would think the University of Illinois would take great care to honor him properly during his jersey ceremony. That’s what fans expected ahead of the ceremony and Illinois’ game against Michigan State.
Unfortunately, an embarrassing mistake shocked fans when Shannon’s jersey was presented upside down.
Folks, someone is getting fired. pic.twitter.com/Em2RlP7yGY
— Robert Rosenthal (@ALionEye) February 16, 2025
Needless to say, fans took to social media to express their disappointment and embarrassment, while others simply laughed at Illinois’ expense.
“Seems intentional,” one fan wrote on social media while another was a bit more conniving.
Heads need to roll tonight
— Michele Steele (@MicheleSteele) February 16, 2025
While a bit harsh, the reactions seemed to be a bit fairer as the revelation came to be.
“You had one job,” another fan lamented in frustration.
The game has to start so they had to raise the banner back up which means it’s still up there like that. pic.twitter.com/tg9xVCVFTO
— Robert Rosenthal (@ALionEye) February 16, 2025
Some fans, however, could only laugh at the absurdity of the mistake and the situation as a whole. Some even questioned whether the incident was real, while others made jokes at Illinois’ expense.
One fan took it as a bad omen for Illinois’ game against Michigan State—a game they ultimately lost 75-69.
They have fixed the banner and Shannon’s family is getting their photos. pic.twitter.com/MBLjts6z4V
— Robert Rosenthal (@ALionEye) February 16, 2025
Thankfully, Illinois was able to fix the issue, and Shannon simply smiled off the upside-down jersey, putting an end to an embarrassing moment for Illinois men’s basketball.
Terrence Shannon’s College Career
Terrence Shannon Jr. had an impressive tenure as a guard for the University of Illinois. Originally a transfer from Big 12 program Texas Tech, Shannon arrived at Illinois with the goal of improving his draft stock after three seasons with the Red Raiders.
In his three seasons at Texas Tech, Shannon averaged 11 points per game on 45% shooting from the field and 35% from three. He was named to the Big 12 All-Freshman Team and the 2020-21 All-Big 12 Team.
He continued his strong play in the postseason, earning a selection to the Big 12 Championship All-Tournament Team after averaging 11 points in three tournament games.
Shannon made an immediate impact at Illinois, going from averaging 10.4 points per game in his final season at Texas Tech to 17 points per game. His increased scoring coincided with a jump in shot attempts, from 7.6 per game at Texas Tech to 11.6 per game at Illinois.
His breakout season helped Illinois secure a 20-13 regular-season record and a third consecutive berth in the NCAA Tournament.
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He became a star in his final year at Illinois, averaging 23 points per game on 47.5% shooting from the field and 36.2% from three. He also set the school record for most points in a season with 736.
His stellar play earned him several accolades, including 2024 Big Ten Tournament MVP and a spot on the 2024 Big Ten All-Tournament Team, while leading Illinois to another NCAA Tournament berth.
