Illinois' star basketball player, Terrence Shannon Jr., has been reinstated to the University's basketball team following a temporary restraining order issued by a federal judge. The reinstatement was announced by the University of Illinois spokesperson, Robin Kaler, who stated that Shannon Jr. has regained his full status as a student-athlete and will be eligible for practice and competition. The court order will be reviewed, and the case will be monitored by the university.

Shannon Jr.'s legal team had filed a lawsuit against the University of Illinois Board of Trustees earlier this month. The lawsuit claimed Shannon's innocence and criticized the university for acting as the judge, jury, and executioner in suspending him indefinitely on December 28, 2023.

The decision by federal judge Colleen Lawless comes after Shannon Jr. waived his first appearance in court in Douglas Co., Kansas. He had been charged with rape in connection to an incident that occurred in September while he was visiting Kansas for Illinois' football game against the Jayhawks.

The judge's statement acknowledged the impact of Shannon Jr.'s suspension on his NBA draft stock. She highlighted that his projected draft position had fallen 17 spots in the second round just one week after his suspension. With his continued suspension, it is likely that his draft position will plummet further, potentially jeopardizing his selection in the June 2024 draft.

The lawsuit brought attention to Shannon Jr.'s position and potential as a drafted player. Previously projected to be selected 20th overall, recent NBA mock drafts now place him outside of the first round. In a letter to the University of Illinois student-athlete conduct panel, Shannon Jr. emphasized the detrimental effect the suspension had on his professional career prospects, stating that his life would be ruined, and the opportunity to showcase his talent would be eliminated.

Since his suspension, Shannon Jr. has seen a decline in his draft position in multiple mock drafts. Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to rejoin his teammates, Shannon Jr. tweeted his readiness to get back to work after the judge's ruling.

With Shannon Jr.'s reinstatement, the Illinois Fighting Illini can now count on his contribution as they continue their season. Currently sitting third in the Big Ten Conference and holding the 14th spot in the AP Top 25 rankings, the Illinois team will welcome Shannon Jr.'s return on Sunday as they take on Rutgers.