The Toronto Raptors played their first game of the 2024 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas Saturday night, and former Illini Quincy Guerrier, who signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Raptors after going undrafted, was suited up for the team. Guerrier spent his final season of college basketball at Illinois this past season, where he averaged 9.6 points and 6.1 rebounds per game while shooting 37.4% from three. Despite not playing in the Raptors’ first game, Guerrier spoke to The Daily Illini after the contest about making the transition from college basketball to the professional game.
The Daily Illini: How did the Exhibit 10 contract with the Raptors come about?
Guerrier: I had a workout for them. I had a really good workout. It was probably my second-best workout, and then I ended up getting an E-10 with them.
DI: Being from Canada, how happy are you to be with the Raptors organization?
Guerrier: I’m grateful for it. They’ve known me for a while. From now on I’ve just got to keep grinding, keep working and get my way up.
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DI: Now being with the organization for a few weeks, doing Summer League training, what did you have to adjust to or not expect from the professional game?
Guerrier: I’ve been a professional my whole life, to be honest, so there’s nothing really I have to adjust to. It’s just the game is faster, but overall, you gotta show up on time and just work hard and do the things that they ask you to do.
DI: You’re on an Exhibit 10, which leads to a lot of guys competing for a two-way contract or going to the G League. What are your expectations for the season?
Guerrier: Honestly it’s just to get better. I’m going to worry about just getting better, do the things that they want me to do, and we’ll see where that’s going to put me.
DI: At Illinois, we saw you could rebound, shoot and use your size on both ends of the floor. You didn’t play today, but when you get on the court or in practice, what are you trying to showcase to the Raptors?
Guerrier: Honestly it’s just being able to be a three-and-D. A lot of people know me for my defense now, being able to knock down shots in the corners — just play with a lot of energy, rebounding and everything. I’ve been doing that since I’ve been with them. I know today I was not going to get minutes, they told me already, just in terms of evaluating people on our team and stuff. So I just got to be ready and stay motivated.
DI: You, Terrence Shannon Jr. and Marcus Domask are all going pro at the same time. After having so much success together in college, how does it feel to take this journey at the same time, and are you staying in contact?
Guerrier: Yeah, of course. I’m happy for them. You know TJ had a great game yesterday (Friday). It’s a dream come true for us. Being in college for myself five years, and now being able to play professionally, I’m grateful for everything.
DI: What is your favorite memory from your time at Illinois, and what will you miss the most?
Guerrier: Team chemistry was the best. These guys were funny. I think my best memory was when we won the Big Ten championship. That was a great experience.
DI: What is your message to Illinois fans who will continue to support you in the next part of your career?
Guerrier: Go Illini! Thank you for everything y’all did for me. Thanks for supporting me, and I love you guys.
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