Timberwolves rookie Terrence Shannon, Jr. was all smiles on Saturday when talking about having his college jersey number 0 retired at the University of Illinois.
He didn't seem too upset that when the banner was unfurled during what was described as a well-planned halftime ceremony, it was accidentally hanging upside down.
The man responsible for all things Illini athletics wasn't pleased.
"We need to make sure that we understand that in life mistakes happen, but there are also certain moments where mistakes can't happen," said Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman. "And tonight, we stole that moment for Terrence, and that's on us and something we have apologized to him for. We have apologized to his mom. I want to make sure that we apologize to our fans and everybody who was excited to be part of this experience, tonight."
There are photos taken during the halftime ceremony showing Shannon turning his head in an attempt to see what the honored jersey will ultimately look like in the rafters of State Farm Arena.
"I'm grateful to have the opportunity to get my jersey up there," he told reporters afterwards. "I'm just happy."
The banner was rehung rightside up for postgame activities.
Some fans who hung around expressed displeasure about the snafu, and Whitman made sure staffers knew his feelings.
"We had some spirited conversations during the second half to make sure the right people knew the level of frustration and disappointment we felt in that moment,” he said.
Shannon played two seasons at Illinois after starting his college career at Texas Tech.
Last year, Shannon set the record for most points scored in Big Ten tournament game (40) and also set the Illinois record for most points scored in a season (736).
His final season with the Illini was marred by a six-game suspension after he was charged in a sexual assault case in Kansas.
A judge lifted the suspension, ruling that Shannon's civil rights were violated by the the University.
Shannon was acquitted on all charges.
In his first season with the Wolves in which he's had several stints with the G-League Iowa Wolves, Shannon has played 16 games, averaging three points and just under one rebound.
He has played in the last six games for the Timberwolves before the NBA All-Star Break, and had a career-high five points in the Feb. 6 win over Houston.