Former Illini Dosunmu, Shannon Jr. off to strong starts with Timberwolves

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 8: Ayo Dosunmu, Terrence Shannon Jr. #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves look on during the game against the San Antonio Spurs during Round Two Game Three of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 8, 2026 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Two former Illinois basketball stars are making an early impact for the Minnesota Timberwolves as Ayo Dosunmu and Terrence Shannon Jr. help the team get off to a hot start in the 2026-27 NBA season.

Minnesota won its first three games by at least 20 points before falling just short in a 127-125 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night.

Dosunmu has been a valuable contributor off the bench, providing scoring and playmaking for the Timberwolves. The former Illini guard scored 16 points in Minnesota’s season-opening win over Miami before recording 14 points, seven rebounds and nine assists against Orlando.

Through four games, Dosunmu is averaging 12 points, 4.5 rebounds and four assists per game while shooting efficiently from the field.

Shannon has also gotten off to an encouraging start. The former Illinois star has scored in double figures in all four games, including a 15-point performance against Toronto on Sunday.

The third-year forward followed that outing with 14 points, four rebounds and five assists against Cleveland. Shannon is averaging 13 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game while shooting 14-of-27 from the field.

Both players are carving out important roles for a Minnesota team with significant aspirations in the Western Conference. Dosunmu’s versatility and playmaking have made him a productive option off the bench, while Shannon has provided another scoring threat.