Terrence Shannon has been a two-year starter at Texas Tech. No, he didn't finish his freshman year in the starting lineup or technically start on the floor for a chunk of this season, but he's played starter minutes and has been a huge part of the team.

Shannon took a big jump in skill from his freshman to sophomore year, at times looking like the best player on a team that featured Mac McClung, Kevin McCullar and Kyler Edwards sharing the load at different times. To me, of everybody on last year's Red Raiders roster, Shannon is definitely the most likely to play in the NBA.

For that reason, Shannon will enter his name into the NBA draft process.

Shannon announced his intention to enter the NBA draft process while maintaining his eligibility via his Twitter account earlier today, saying: "I have decided to pursue my lifelong dream of playing in the NBA and am entering my name in the 2021 NBA Draft. This was not an easy decision to make, but one that I feel is best for me at this time. Again, my love for Lubbock, my teammates, and Texas Tech are unmatched and I can't say thank you enough."

Talk 103.9 & 1340 logo
Get our free mobile app

A few important dates to now know when talking about Shannon, who will not hire an agent, but will be able to go to NBA camps and hear from real NBA scouts on whether or not he's likely to be chosen in the upcoming NBA draft scheduled for July 29th at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. That's obviously the most important date for Shannon, but for Texas Tech fans who'd prefer to see Shannon bake in the NCAA oven for another season, there are a few more important dates.

First off, the NBA Combine will run from June 21st through June 27th. If invited, and he should be, Shannon will be able to participate and interview while maintaining NCAA eligibility. The next date, which is most important for the fans who selfishly wish to see a few more Shannon splashes or tomahawk dunks as a Red Raider (i.e. me), is the deadline to withdraw from the NBA Draft. That day is July 19th. I wouldn't expect Shannon to make a decision before that date.

To all the people who say Shannon isn't ready for the draft: the NBA is a league of potential, especially late in the draft, and Terrence Shannon Jr. has loads of potential. You've seen the athleticism, he's got the size, and his shot has improved a ton from his freshman year to this season. He could absolutely make the leap and could land in the G League or find minutes on an NBA roster next season.

If not, I'll be ecstatic for him to return to Texas Tech, where he'd be able to put his athleticism on display in the new high-speed offense that is likely to debut at Texas Tech next year.

A Brief History of Texas Tech Men's Basketball in the NCAA Tournament

 

More From Talk 103.9 & 1340