In an embarrassing oversight that stunned onlookers, the University of Illinois mistakenly hung the jersey of former basketball star Terrence Shannon Jr. upside down during a retirement ceremony on Saturday. The gaffe occurred as Shannon, who led the Fighting Illini to the Elite Eight last season, pulled a cord to unveil his jersey in the rafters of the State Farm Center, only to find it was not properly positioned.
Athletic Director Josh Whitman took full responsibility for the error, calling it a “regrettable situation” and apologizing to Shannon, his mother, and Illinois fans. “Obviously, a really regrettable moment. It’s a shame that it happened that way,” Whitman said. “Of course, I didn’t hang the jersey but I’m ultimately responsible for everything that happens in this building and ultimately, that means that was on me tonight.”
A Turbulent Path to Stardom
The jersey retirement was meant to be a crowning moment for Shannon, who overcame significant adversity during his collegiate career. After transferring from Texas Tech, where he played for three years, Shannon led Illinois to its first Elite Eight appearance in nearly two decades last season, averaging an impressive 23.0 points per game.
However, his final year was marred by controversy when he was suspended midseason after being charged with sexual assault in Kansas. Shannon was eventually reinstated following a legal challenge and found not guilty at trial last summer. Despite the tumultuous journey, he emerged as a third-team All-American and was selected 27th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2024 NBA Draft.
An Unexpected Honor
Prior to the ceremony, Shannon expressed surprise that Illinois would retire his jersey after only two years with the program. “I was shocked because I was only here for two years,” he told local media. “I was just happy. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to get my jersey up there.”
The school had invested significant time and energy into planning the special occasion, which made the jersey mishap all the more disappointing. Whitman emphasized that while they were able to correct the error and take photos with Shannon and coach Brad Underwood after the game, the moment could not be recreated.
“Nothing we can do to recreate that moment. We recognize that. We own it. There’s certain mistakes that can’t happen.”
– Josh Whitman, Illinois Athletic Director
A Coach’s Pride
Despite the unfortunate incident, Illinois head coach Brad Underwood spoke emotionally about Shannon’s legacy and the significance of having his jersey retired. Underwood praised the star player for finding “excellence” in the face of adversity.
“To have a jersey that will hang — and I know how important it is to the fans here and I know important it is for him; he’s from Chicago, he grew up watching this — and to be up there with so few others, there’s not enough adjectives, there’s not enough words, for how proud I am.”
– Brad Underwood, Illinois Head Coach
As Shannon continues his professional career with the Timberwolves, where he is averaging 3.1 points per game in his rookie season, the jersey retirement ceremony will likely be remembered as a bittersweet moment. While the university’s mistake cast a shadow over the proceedings, it does not diminish the impact and legacy of Terrence Shannon Jr.’s remarkable collegiate career at Illinois.
