San Antonio Spurs draft: Big Ten conference prospects


1. Terrence Shannon Jr. - Guard, Illinois
This Texas Tech transfer was a big pickup for the Fighting Illini this offseason. spent three years in Lubbock leading the Red Raiders to a sweet 16 appearance while earning All-Conference honors each season. The guard averages double-digit points per game and has the all-around package you would want to see in an NBA player.
Shannon is from Chicago, so naturally, it made sense to pick the Illini as his transfer destination. Champaign is only a couple of hours south of the Windy City, and if I do say so myself, a great college sports town that is especially proud of its hoops squad which won the Big Ten regular season crown just a year ago.
By transferring to Illinois, TJ (as most folks refer to him) gave himself an opportunity for additional exposure plus more big-game experience at the college level as he prepares for the next step. What I think is most unique about TJ is that his father played professional basketball internationally for over 20 years, meaning TJ has the life of a hoopster in his bloodstream. From the moment he steps on the court, his basketball IQ is on display and easy to notice.
The San Antonio Spurs would benefit hugely from this addition, even at the guard position which has been an emphasis during draft day the last couple of seasons. The talent is where it needs to be, and his on-court knowledge is what sets him apart.