Good morning, Illini Nation—and what a morning it is for Terrence Shannon Jr.

Just a few weeks ago, the former Illinois star was watching from the sidelines. He didn't play in Minnesota's first two playoff games against Denver, was inactive for Game 3, and barely saw the floor in Game 4. Then the Timberwolves' backcourt took a hit, and everything changed.

When Donte DiVincenzo ruptured his Achilles and Anthony Edwards hyperextended his knee in the first half of Game 4, Ayo Dosunmu stepped up with a 43-point explosion that kept Minnesota alive. But when Dosunmu went down with a calf injury before Game 6, the Timberwolves turned to Shannon—and he delivered.

Shannon helped close out the series against Denver with 24 points, six rebounds, and two steals. Then, in Monday's series-opening win against San Antonio, he was just as impactful. Two standout performances, two postgame press conferences, and a spot alongside Edwards, the face of the franchise.

It's an incredible turn for a second-year player who struggled to find his role. Injuries didn't help—a bone bruise and an abductor hallucis strain in his left foot cost him chunks of the season. Even when healthy, Shannon couldn't break into the rotation consistently.

But as Minnesota coach Chris Finch admitted after Game 6, the key was simple: "We've learned with TJ, he's got to have the ball in his hands. Silly me, we played him out of the corner most of the season. But he's way better with the ball in his hands at the top of the floor."

Finch praised Shannon's energy and force, calling his performance a boost that went beyond scoring. "He let it be known that he was going to be reckoned with."

For anyone who watched Shannon at Illinois, this comes as no surprise. During his final season with the Illini, he thrived with the ball in his hands, using that explosive first step to attack the rim. Now, after a season of waiting, he's finally getting the chance to do what he does best—and he's making the most of it.