Illinois Uses NBA Player to Prepare for Indiana Star Lamar Wilkerson

Former Illini star Terrence Shannon Jr. returned to Champaign to represent Wilkerson on scout team during practice

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Former Illinois star Terrence Shannon Jr. returned to Champaign during the NBA All-Star break and represented Indiana basketball's Lamar Wilkerson on the scout team, helping the Fighting Illini prepare for their matchup against the Hoosiers. Illinois used Shannon to give its defense a preview of what it would face against Wilkerson, one of the nation's top players who has been touted as a future NBA draft pick.

Why it matters

Wilkerson is a key player for Indiana, and the Hoosiers have relied heavily on his production in recent games. By using Shannon to mimic Wilkerson's style of play, Illinois was able to devise a defensive strategy to limit Wilkerson's impact and force the rest of the Indiana team to beat them.

The details

Illinois coach Brad Underwood said the Hoosiers possess "spurtability," or the ability to go on big runs, and Wilkerson is the driving force behind that. The Fighting Illini knew if they were to limit runs, they had to limit Wilkerson. Illinois made it a point of emphasis to keep Wilkerson from getting open touches and quality looks at the rim, and while Wilkerson ultimately recorded 21 points, the Illini felt their defense rose to the occasion.

  • Former Illinois star Terrence Shannon Jr. returned to Champaign during the NBA All-Star break and practiced with the Fighting Illini.
  • Illinois used Shannon to represent Indiana's Lamar Wilkerson on the scout team in the two days leading up to the game.

The players

Terrence Shannon Jr.

A former Illinois star and first-round NBA Draft pick in 2024 who currently plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Lamar Wilkerson

A sixth-year senior guard for Indiana who has been touted as a future NBA player by his coach Darian DeVries.

Kylan Boswell

A senior guard for Illinois who took the assignment of guarding Wilkerson (and Shannon) in practice after returning from a broken right hand.

Brad Underwood

The head coach of the Illinois Fighting Illini.

Darian DeVries

The head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers.

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What they’re saying

“He was helpful for the last two days for me for sure. Because that's a huge thing for me and my confidence. I was a little worried sometimes about my hand and things like that the last few days. But (getting) to guard him and him guarding me throughout practice definitely helped my confidence for sure.”

— Kylan Boswell, Illinois senior guard (SI.com)

“Defensively, maybe as good as we played in a while against a team that's very hot, and a team that's very, very good. Wilkerson is a pro. Even though he got 21, I thought we were very good, and obviously the insertion of Kylan Boswell had some impact on that.”

— Brad Underwood, Illinois head coach (SI.com)

“I just tried my best to make things a little difficult for him. He got a couple easy ones, free ones, in transition, which I was frustrated with myself in. But I mean, at the end of the day, he's a really good player. He still got 21.”

— Kylan Boswell, Illinois senior guard (SI.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.