Illinois' Hawkins, Shannon Jr. Returning To Program

(AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Two key players are returning to the Illinois men’s basketball team. Coleman Hawkins and Terrence Shannon Junior both announced on social media that they are withdrawing from the 2023 NBA Draft and returning to the Fighting Illini next season. Shannon averaged 17-point-two points in his inaugural season in Champaign, earning first-team All-Big Ten accolades. Hawkins started all 33 games last season, leading the team in rebounds per game.