Eastern Illinois men's basketball coach Marty Simmons has added another piece to next year's Panthers roster with the addition of guard JT Elder.
 
Elder (6'7", 200) played last season at Eastern Arizona College helping the team post a 29-4 record and appearance in the District Championship game.  Elder averaged 11.2 points and 4.8 rebounds per game last season earning second team All-Conference honors in the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference.  He posted 22 double figure scoring games for the year while shooting 53.2 percent from the field.
 
"We are thrilled to add JT to our program.  He brings a versatility and physical presence that will be noticeable for our team.  His size, skill set and IQ will allow him to elevate his game and his teammates' game as well," said Simmons.  "JT has been around high-level basketball and we are excited to get him to campus."
 
He is a native of Tucson, Arizona where he attended Phoenix Prep High School (PHH Prep).  He was a Grand Session All-Star selection as a prep athlete.  He began his collegiate career at San Jose State appearing in 17 games as a true freshman on a team that advanced to the second round of the CBI Tournament.
 
Elder joins incoming high school players Luke Beickman (6'2", 180, G, Owensboro, Ky.) and Markus Blackwell (6'1", 180, G, Detroit, Mich.) along with transfer post player Nazareth Fisher (6'10", 220, F, Washington, D.C.) as part of the Panthers 2025-26 class.