Eastern Illinois men's basketball head coach Marty Simmons has added another player to next year's Panthers roster with the signing of junior college wing Daniel Ntambwe.
 
Ntambwe, who hails from the Democratic Republic of Congo, played the last two seasons at Coffeyville Community College where he ranked in the Top 10 in the conference in rebounding in both seasons.  He has a versatile presence and brings toughness, physicality and a relentless work ethic to the Panthers roster.
 
He has established himself as a high level rebounder averaging 8.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game as a freshman before a second team All-KJCCC season as a sophomore averaging 12.8 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.  He shot over 50 percent from the floor both seasons and has continued to constantly improve his game by putting in the work in the gym.  Ntambwe collected four double-doubles during the season including 24 points and 13 rebounds in the NJCAA Regional.
 
"His character stands out right away," said Simmons.  "He's about the right things – work, toughness and team.  Those are the types of players that help build winning programs.  He is a true "gym rat" with his commitment to development and consistency a defining part of his game.  The team-first mentality aligns with our EIU basketball culture making him a fit both on and off the court."
 
Ntambwe (6'5", 210) graduated from Huntington High School in West Virginia before one year playing at Huntington Expression Prep School.  This past season he was named one of the Top 100 JUCO players in the nation by JUCO Recruiting.com.  Ntambwe is expected to provide an immediate impact with his rebounding, defensive presence and competitive mindset.
 
He is the latest player to join the Panthers roster for next season along with November high school signee Jayden Wright (Benet Academy).  EIU since has signed transfers Jalen Miller (Guard / East Central Oklahoma), Demar Burton (Forward / Tiffin University) and Devin Davenport (Guard / Missouri Valley College) during the spring.