I’ve seen Sandfort mentioned as a potential NBA prospect, which I guess I understand because he has the one trait NBA teams currently value the most and has pretty good size. But can someone who knows more than me explain why Jameson Battle isn’t showing up on boards. Same size, much better athlete. Can drive and score off the bounce and can hit contested 3’s.
NBA Draft
- Status
I get it’s a tough situation, I think to Brandon Miller last year. I know it’s a little different because he wasn’t directly involved in the murder case, more of an accomplice if I remember correctly. I recall it being a pretty big story but again he was also a much higher prospect and he wasn’t necessarily charged with anything. Wishing the best for TSJ as he’s a great player and I’d love to see him in a Bulls uniform.
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
The Ringer 2026 NBA Draft Guide
Explore this year's best NBA prospects, broken down in depth and ranked.
I really like Tyreke Evans as a TSJ comp. Same sort of physical profile just being too big and fast to keep away from the rim.
My main feeling is than Sandfort shouldn't be more than a very fringe NBA prospect. He's not Max Strus.
I largely agree with you on Battle. But I think he probably doesn't project as quite as impactful of a long range shooter, doesn't impress defensively (neither does Sandfort), and if you're not a freak athlete who is grandfathered in to taking analytics-unfriendly midrange shots like DeMar Derozan, the league doesn't want that kind of player anymore.
Which is a shame, because craftsmen of artisanal buckets, as Battle is at the college level and DeRozan at the pro level, are fun guys to watch.
illini55
- The Villages, FL
My imagination doesn't extend that far. They'd have to cancel the entire season and just award us the natty.
Miller was investigated as an accomplice but ultimately determined to be a witness.
Bigtex
- DFW
FIFY
I wouldn't want TSJ bringing the ball up for my team if there is any pressure by the defense.
Joel Goodson
- it's all ball bearings, nowadays
if NBA guys are still questioning whether Shannon is good enough for the League, I'd really like what they're having
I don't think anyone in the NBA is 'actually' questioning Shannon as a great pro talent prospect. What's most likely is that team execs might be looking for is cover for not selecting Shannon when their draft turn comes around (based upon possible ongoing legal limbo). Of course if his legal situation is resolved then the league folks will be singing a different tune and pronto.
Shannon has that 'attack the rim' quality like few others can match. Most defenders are just helpless against that. He also pairs that with being able to hit from long distance. That translates perfectly into what the NBA style of play is today.
Whatever anyone in the Association thinks of him... let's look for a minor miracle and Shannon falls to the Bulls draft spot (like Ayo did). Ayo and Shannon together for the coming years will make the Bulls a Must-See event for everyone in the Prairie State.
And on St. Patrick's Day in Chicago... they won't dye the river green anymore but it will flow with Orange from now on.
There is a reason Bill Raftery and Grant Hill were saying TJ is just "different". These are guys who have seen every good team in the country this year. They couldn't even come up with a word for seeing TJ in person, other than... "he's just different". Not many people have his combo of size and speed. I'd be shocked if his open court act doesn't translate to the NBA. He's probably the most NBA ready player coming out. He's 100% ready to play defense at that level.
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
There will be some teams really turned off by the age thing. He will be an almost unprecedently old rookie, and even super developed college players take time to adjust, look at Ayo. Teams may feel they're drafting the wrong part of the aging curve.
I think there will be others that squint and see a distribution-challenged perimeter player with a low release jumper that they still don't totally believe in. A smaller Obi Toppin, whose explosive scoring seduced the Knicks into taking him ahead of much better players.
I'm just a true believer in his ability to get to the rim against NBA length and athleticism. His ability to navigate through bodies and contact is unreal.
GrayGhost77
- Centennial, CO
Even at his age a team is still getting a near plug n play guy who could easily last in the league a good ten or more years. Given the length of an average contract and longevity of players in the league I'd say that's plenty and really shouldn't be an issue for anyone.
I think his driving game will be more powerful in NBA. Look at Ayo how he eats lunch these days. If legally cleared, late 1st round makes sense to me due to his age. Possibly drop down to 2nd round like Ayo but really he has a more complete game compared to Ayo at the time so I think 1st round is reasonable.
ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
pruman91
- interviewing new NL's daily....I really really am
I agree completely........I think the NBA has a 3 second rule in the paint for defense also , which will allow TSJ , with his speed to do his Flash imitation and score before the D knows what happened......./s , but maybe not a /s.......JMHO.....
Ryllini
- Lombard
I agree. I think TSJ will be just fine at the NBA level. Those dudes are so good, the best they've ever been on that level, you can't cheat or leave anyone. Defense on that level has so many things to guard against it just impossible when you have 5 guys who can all spray from deep and most are elite handlers of the ball and drivers. Defenders are on islands now, TSJ will love that.
Zorak
- Naperville
That team would be lucky to win 10 games
Not having watched much NBA play for years, I question how often TSJr. might be guarded by a player that can keep him from getting to the rim. As spread as NBA offenses are today, and not having seen any college player that can stay with Terrance when he is in full speed drive mode. I am hesitant to think that aspect of his game will vanish in NBA play. He is also a willing passer so if there is a rim protector there to stop him, that will leave someone open....most of whom can knock down 10 ft. jumpers at a 60%+ rate.
Bottom line is that we will only know if/when we see him in NBA play. I am hopeful that happens soon. He has been a great teammate and leader.
Joel Goodson
- it's all ball bearings, nowadays
lstewart53x3
- Scottsdale, Arizona
The past 6 games has made TJ some money. Looks unstoppable.
chiefini
- Rockford, Illinois
Yes, the NBA beckons for TJ. So happy for him that that judge saw the enormity and entire picture of his situation, and by making the fair and just judgement she did, enabled Terrence to have the opportunity to possibly reach his full potential, both financially and professionally.
ptgrd23
- orange county CA
Shannon has followed up his Big Ten tournament performance with two impressive games in the first two rounds of the Big Dance. The lefty senior guard averaged 34 points in the last three games heading into the tournament and hasn't missed a beat for Illinois, scoring 26 points in the first game and 30 points in the second. The 6-6 guard can score at all three levels and is a threat in transition. His passing has improved over the course of the season and he's averaging four assists in the tournament. Shannon is a player who has the ability to take over games and could help his draft stock with how he's elevated the Illini offense and made his teammates better.
sports.yahoo.com
NCAA tournament: Which NBA Draft prospects have boosted their stock heading into the Sweet 16?
With two rounds down, Yahoo Sports takes a look at 10 players who have played above the competition and how it's helped their draft stock.
sports.yahoo.com
- Status