Former Illini Star Helps Prep Team for Indiana Star Lamar Wilkerson

Terrence Shannon Jr. visited Illinois and played on the scout team to help the Illini prepare for Indiana's leading scorer.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

After struggling to defend top scorers in their past two games, the Illinois Illini basketball team got a boost from a familiar face ahead of their matchup with Indiana and star player Lamar Wilkerson. Former Illini guard Terrence Shannon Jr., who now plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves, visited the team during the NBA All-Star break and helped prepare the Illini by playing the role of Wilkerson on the scout team in practice. This extra preparation, along with the return of defensive standout Kylan Boswell from injury, helped Illinois hold Wilkerson in check and cruise to a 71-51 victory over the Hoosiers.

Why it matters

The Illini had struggled to contain top scorers in their previous two games, so Shannon's visit and scout team work was crucial in helping the team prepare to slow down Wilkerson, the Big Ten's leading scorer. Boswell's return from injury also provided a major boost to Illinois' defense. This win over Indiana keeps the Illini in the hunt for a high seed in the NCAA Tournament.

The details

Terrence Shannon Jr., a former Illinois player now with the Minnesota Timberwolves, visited the team during his NBA All-Star break. Shannon didn't just stop by - he suited up and played the role of Indiana's Lamar Wilkerson on the scout team in practices leading up to the game. This extra preparation, along with the return of defensive standout Kylan Boswell from a hand injury, helped the Illini hold Wilkerson to 21 points on 8-of-14 shooting in the 71-51 win.

  • Terrence Shannon Jr. visited the Illinois team earlier this week during the NBA All-Star break.
  • Kylan Boswell returned to the lineup for Illinois after missing a month with a hand fracture.

The players

Terrence Shannon Jr.

A former Illinois basketball player who now plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA. Shannon visited the Illini team this week and played on the scout team to help them prepare for Indiana's leading scorer Lamar Wilkerson.

Kylan Boswell

An Illinois basketball player and one of the Big Ten's best on-ball defenders, who returned to the lineup after missing a month with a hand injury.

Lamar Wilkerson

The leading scorer in the Big Ten, playing for the Indiana Hoosiers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Having him, he was helpful the last two days for me, for sure, because that's a huge thing for my confidence. I was a little worried sometimes about my hand, things like that, the last two days. But being able to guard him and him guarding me throughout practice definitely helped my confidence, for sure.”

— Kylan Boswell, Illinois Basketball Player (si.com)

“Well, other than the win, the best part of today was my locker room after the game, and when you get to former players. And Terrence has been here all week.”

— Brad Underwood, Illinois Basketball Head Coach (si.com)

What’s next

The Illini will look to build on this win over Indiana as they continue their push for a high seed in the NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

Illinois' ability to get a key former player in Terrence Shannon Jr. to help prepare the team for a top scorer like Lamar Wilkerson shows the strong connections and community within the Illini basketball program. This extra preparation, combined with the return of defensive standout Kylan Boswell, proved crucial in slowing down Wilkerson and securing an important conference victory.