Illinois Basketball Quick-Hitters: Three Things to Know for July 16

Contrary to popular belief, mid-July is quite the busy time for Illini basketball. Here's what you need to know.

Mar 23, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Brad Underwood reacts during the second half in the second round of the NCAA Tournament against the Kentucky Wildcats at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images | Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

All things considered, in the dead of the summer, it may be one of the least busy times for Illinois basketball, but even then, there are constant moving pieces. Fortunately, Illinois on SI is here to keep you updated. Here is all of the latest summarized into three “need-to-knows”.

3). Will Riley, Kasparas Jakucionis DNPs in Latest NBA Summer League Action

After a mediocre summer league debut with the Washington Wizards, Will Riley bounced back with an excellent all-around performance in his second outing – even earning the praise of his General Manager, Will Dawkins. But in what would have been Riley’s third contest, the Wizards elected to hold the first-round pick out, along with the majority of the Wizards’ young core, including Tre Johnson, Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington, and Kyshawn George. 

Meanwhile, Kasparas Jakucionis was also a DNP in the Miami Heat’s most recent outing, which was a bit more of a head-scratcher. The Heat played the rest of their young stars in Kel’el Ware and Pelle Larsson, leading to some speculation about Jakucionis’ potential benching. 

MORE on Riley: Will Riley Brings More Than Scoring to NBA Summer League for Washington Wizards

MORE on Jakucionis: Miami Heat Head Coach Erik Spoelstra Praises Kasparas Jakucionis’ Mental Toughness

2). Illinois’ Active Weekend on The Recruiting Trail

The Illini took full advantage of the first NCAA active period in July, offering four prospects and scouting a key target. Brad Underwood and his staff extended offers to a versatile, high-level shooter from the class of 2026 in Maximo Adams, a springy 2027 big man in Caleb Ourigou, and a pair of foreign-born, New York-living 2028 AAU teammates. Underwood was also in person to watch the nation’s top-rated center in Arafan Diane last Thursday. 

With this upcoming weekend (July 17-20) marking the final live period of the month, expect Underwood and his crew to be spread out across the country, scouting high-priority targets and offering new risers. 

1). Terrence Shannon Jr. Lighting Up NBA Summer League

It has taken Terrence Shannon Jr. just one NBA season to blossom into a rising star. Although summer league success doesn’t exactly translate directly into in-season success, it’s certainly a step in the right direction. Shannon’s 22.7 points per game ranks fifth among players who have been active in two or more outings, and he’s adding 6.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists. 

His sheer production is impressive in itself, but it’s not just what Shannon has done; it’s the way he’s done it. From deep (made ten triples through three games), above the rim, euro-step drop-off dimes, you name it.

The 6-foot-6 wing’s game has grown in nearly every aspect during his lone professional season. Expect Shannon to fully carve out a niche with Minnesota this season and play an integral role for the title-contending squad. 

MORE: Terrence Shannon Jr. Dominant in Timberwolves’ NBA Summer League Win

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Illinois Commit Mihailo Petrovic Still Missing From Roster: What It Means

Is Former Illini Coleman Hawkins Playing Himself on to Golden State's NBA Roster?

Illinois Basketball: Assembling the Best Starting Five of the Brad Underwood Era