CHARLESTON, Ill. – Eastern Illinois head men's basketball coach
Marty Simmons continues to build his first roster for the Panthers with the signing of his second transfer from a Big Ten program. Elijah Wood has signed with EIU after playing last season as a freshman for Nebraska.
Wood is a 6'5", 175 guard that appeared in 13 games in a reserve role for the Cornhuskers last season. He scored ten points with five rebounds in a reserve role.
"We are excited to welcome Elijah Wood to the Eastern Illinois basketball family. Elijah is a long, athletic guard who handles the ball well, scores from all three levels and has great vision," said Simmons. "Elijah is a versatile player who can play multiple positions. He has had great individual success, being named a Top 150 player in his class as a junior, as well as a 4-star recruit. Elijah is a great addition to this class and we can't wait for him to get to Charleston and begin his career at EIU."
A native of Potomac, Md., Wood began his prep career playing at Bethesda-Chevy Chase HS. He averaged 11.5 points, 5.3 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game as a sophomore. During his junior season he was ranked a Top 150 player in his class by both Rivals and 247 Sports averaging 11 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.8 blocks per game. Wood played his senior year of prep basketball at Berkmar High School in Georgia. As a senior he averaged 10 points, 2 assists and 1.5 steals per game leading the team to the Georgia Class AAAAAAA quarterfinals.
Wood hails from an athletic family as he father Anthony played basketball at Hampton University leading the team in assists during the 1988-89 season.
Wood is the latest former Big Ten product to join the Panthers roster after Jermaine Hamlin (6'10, F, Lincoln, Ill.) transferred from Illinois two weeks ago. Wood and Hamlin join Paul Bizimana (6'8, F, Haltom HS/Haltom City, Texas) and Kejuan Clements (6'2, G, Triton College/Chicago, Ill.) as members in Simmons first EIU basketball class.
