NBA Draft 2023: Standouts from Continental Tire Main Event games

Illinois

Terrence Shannon Jr. – Wing – 6’6, 210 lbs – July 2000

Shannon has always had the body of an NBA player standing 6’6 with a  chiseled frame. I have liked him since he was a freshman at Texas Tech and would have drafted him in 2020, and 2021. He didn’t take the huge leap last season, but starring in Illinois’ system as the lead guy has let him unlock his skills.

I was not at the eight three-pointer game on Friday, but I am not surprised he shot it so well. Shannon is a tireless worker, known for waking up early to refine his jumper this offseason. He also looks to be back at peak athleticism, showing real burst getting downhill. Tony Bennett and Virginia were able to scheme him out of his strengths a bit, and their pack line defense forced him into tough spots as a handler. Although I think his passing and general feel have taken a step up as well. He didn’t shoot it nearly as well against Virginia, but nonetheless still very much looks the part of an NBA player.

His role at the next level should be simplified too. As long as he continues to hit shots, there is a pretty easy pathway to being a three-and-D type player, while also getting to the rim as a slasher. He’s a willing defender with good lateral quickness and strength to guard a few different positions. In a year where we were wondering who the next Johnny Davis might be (returning player that breaks out) Shannon has bludgeoned his way into the conversation. He was probably the second-best prospect at the event and looks like a first-round pick that can keep inching his way up.

Coleman Hawkins – Forward/Five – 6’10, 220 lbs – December 2001

Raw box score watchers might not think Hawkins was a standout, but he does so many little things well. Physically, there’s still some room to add strength but he looks every inch of 6’10 and maybe taller.

Hawkins does a lot of things you look for in a modern center. He’s comfortable operating offense out of the high post and DHO actions. He’s incredibly unselfish with a good passing feel and the height to see over defenders. Defensively, he slides well laterally and has great instincts as a rim-protector. His length can be deceiving at times. I’m not entirely sold on him walling up NBA centers as post-defender, but there are only a handful of NBA centers that play that way anyway.

The jumper remains the swing skill from starter to rotational center in my opinion. After lighting EIU in their opener, Hawkins didn’t hit another three until the second half of Virginia. I trust the mechanics, you just want to see more confidence in that area as a pick-and-pop guy.

With Hawkins, it’s important to remember the odd development path he has had. Playing next to Jalen Green in high school, Hawkins was able to showcase his perimeter skills. But saw limited playing time as a freshman on an uber-talented 2021 Illinois team. As a sophomore, he had to play the four next to Kofi Cockburn.

This season, Hawkins is finally unlocked as Illinois’ five and looks more comfortable in that role. I’d still like to see him do some traditional center things better like play-finishing and rebounding. But there’s an excellent base to work with here. A weak center class only helps Hawkins’ case and he’s firmly in the late first-round/early to middle second-round conversation in my eyes.