Memphis Tigers forward Dain Dainja recently gained attention when Minnesota Timberwolves guard Terrence Shannon Jr. wore merch from Dainja’s clothing line during a post-game interview. The exchange took place following the Timberwolves’ elimination from the 2025 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals in Oklahoma City on May 29.
Shannon Jr., a fellow Illinois Fighting Illini alumnus with Dainja, was seen sporting a DainjaZone hoodie while answering questions after the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, who defeated Minnesota 4-1 in the series. The apparel caught Dainja’s eye and drew his praise on social media.
“DainjaZone hoodie Crazyyyyyyy,” Dainja captioned with several emojis.
During the brief interview, Shannon Jr. discussed his aspirations to expand his role alongside Anthony Edwards on the Timberwolves in the upcoming 2025-26 season, despite the team falling short of advancing to the NBA championship.
Shared History Between Dainja and Shannon Jr. Through Illinois Basketball
Dainja and Shannon Jr. were teammates from 2022 to 2024 at the University of Illinois under coach Brad Underwood. Their last season together saw the Fighting Illini compile a 29-9 overall record, including a 14-6 mark in Big Ten play. Their collegiate journey ended in the 2024 March Madness Elite Eight after a loss to the eventual champion UConn Huskies.
This backstory adds context to the connection between the two players and explains Shannon Jr.’s choice to wear Dainja’s merch during such a visible moment post-playoffs.
Dainja’s Recent Transfer Developments and Collegiate Career
Earlier in April, Dainja announced via his agents Noah Reisenfeld and Adie Vongontard that he was entering the NCAA transfer portal after one season with Memphis under coach Penny Hardaway. However, on April 22, he withdrew from the portal, signaling his intention to return to the Tigers for another year.
Dainja’s collegiate path began with the Baylor Bears before his two-year stint at Illinois and subsequent transfer to Memphis. Over his college career, he has averaged 9.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game, establishing himself as a versatile swingman for his teams.
Implications for Dainja and the Timberwolves Moving Forward
Terrence Shannon Jr.’s visible support for Dainja’s brand highlights a continued relationship between former college teammates as Shannon prepares for a larger role with the Timberwolves alongside Anthony Edwards. Meanwhile, Dainja’s decision to remain with Memphis suggests stability in his final collegiate season, aiming to improve his game further before advancing his basketball career.
This interaction between the two players through merchandise and personal history adds a human interest element to the narrative around the Timberwolves’ offseason and Dainja’s basketball journey.