NBA Draft: Where could three Illinois prospects be drafted?

The lottery and bracket for the 2024 NBA Draft took place this week in Chicago, with the draft set to take place six weeks after the NBA Finals.

Illinois has resurged its presence in the NBA in recent seasons, with Malcolm Hill getting multiple contracts, Ayo Dosunmu being drafted and other players moving around the G League. But this season, the Fighting Illini have a chance to send multiple draft picks to the NBA for the first time since 2005 and 2006. Dosunmu was supposed to break the record of no first-round picks dating back to Meyers Leonard in 2012, but he will get another chance in 2024.

Let's take a closer look at the outlook.

Percentiles provided by CBB Analytics

terrence shannon jr.

TCR // David Pollack

Strengths:

• 92nd percentile among players with best finishes at the rim in their class
• Features a diverse dunk and layup package
• An unstoppable force in transition
• 100th percentile of fast break PPG
• The ideal size for Wings is 6-foot-6, 225 pounds.
• Elite on-ball defender, protects the opposing team's best perimeter players
• chase screens defensively
• Stack and steal blocks
• Shows acumen in playmaking/passing and rebounding
• Improving 3-point shooting and free throw shooting in the postseason
• Elite who draws a foul and reaches the line

Weaknesses:

• Handle not very good, needs to improve especially off hand
• Needs to improve shot creation in the midrange
• Sometimes a little out of control when pushing the ball
• Sometimes I fall asleep on the back cut
• Shooting a little striped
• No floater to pivot against Elite rim protector

Outlook: Shannon's status as a prospect will obviously depend largely on his June trial date on rape charges in Kansas. For this exercise, let's assume he is cleared before the draft. Shannon is perhaps the most explosive scorer in the class, ranking third in points per game last season and showing the ability to score at all three levels. Plus, he's a very good defender and won't be a top option in the NBA right away, so he might focus more on that end.

Some teams will shy away from him because of his age (24 as a rookie), but he's still a great shooting and slashing wing and is also very good defensively. Playoff teams in need of bench help will be very interested.

Prediction: Choose between picks 15-25

coleman hawkins

TCR // Jack Jungmann

Strengths:

• Prototype Stretch 5 for the 6'10″ Modern NBA
• 3FG% improved to 37% this season
• Great finisher at the rim, 70th percentile.
• He is good with the ball and has great playmaking ability.
• Free throw shooting has improved significantly this season.
• elite help defender
• Light but sturdy rebounder
• Highly versatile and can defend positions 1-5
• High assist/turnover rate

Weaknesses:

• Needs to gain muscle to match NBA big men
• Too many long threes, poor shot selection
• too many fouls
• Has shot creation ability, but not that much.
• Randomly display low basketball IQ

Outlook: Hawkins performed well in the scrimmage at the combine, showing how he can be a complete groomsman in the NBA. He fits the modern big man archetype, stretching the floor, handling the ball, and passing to cutters for easy baskets. Plus, he's a smart defender.

His lean frame will be a bit of a concern, but an NBA training program will help him a lot. He also needs to cut back on the self-defeating mistakes he has made over the course of his career. With fewer teams using traditional big men, it should be easy for Hawkins to find a spot.

Prediction: Mid-2nd round pick

Marcus Domask

TCR // Jack Jungmann

Strengths:

• elite post player
• smart passer
• Good size for a wing at 6 feet 6 inches.
• Versatile in attack
• excellent rebounder
• elite free throw shooter

Weaknesses:

• Lacks elite athleticism
• not a good defender
• Below-average shot from 3-point range

Outlook: It was bad enough that Domask didn't get an invite to the combine, but somehow he didn't even get an invite to G League Elite camp. He was great for Illinois last season, especially when Shannon was suspended.

Domask is another example of an elite college player who likely won't be a force in the NBA due to his different playing style, but I think his skill set is good enough to earn him a chance on a team as a G Leaguer.

Prediction: Two-way contract after summer league ends