Eastern Illinois men's basketball coach Marty Simmons has added another player from the transfer portal with addition of forward Gavin Welch from Lake Erie College.
 
Welch (6'6" / 195) played in all 32 games last season for a Lake Erie team that advanced to the NCAA Division II Tournament winning 23 games.   He brings a combination of toughness, intelligence and elite shooting ability to the Panthers roster.   Last season he knocked down 78 3-pointers connecting for 40.2 percent from long range.   He built a reputation as a reliable scorer and a disciplined player who consistently made winning plays.  Welch ended the season averaging 11.0 points and 2.9 rebounds per game with five games with six or more made 3-pointers during the season.
 
"Gavin is very intelligent and has a high basketball IQ," said Simmons.  "He's the kind of player who makes everyone else around him better and we believe he will play a key role in elevating Eastern Illinois basketball.  He's a tough, smart, elite shooting forward who will bring great toughness and character to our locker room.  He has a great understanding for the game and ability to compete at a high level.  We expect him to make an immediate impact to our team and basketball culture both on and off the floor."
 
Welch is from New Castle, Indiana where he was an honorable mention All-State selection at New Castle High School.  He began his collegiate career playing two years at Barry University appearing in 55 games over two seasons with the program helping the team reach the Sunshine State Conference Tournament Championship game as a freshman.
 
Welch is the latest player to join the Panthers roster for next season.  He joins standout high school guard Jayden Wright (Benet Academy) who signed in November along with five other spring additions – Jalen Miller (Guard / East Central Oklahoma), Demar Burton (Forward / Tiffin University), Devin Davenport (Guard / Missouri Valley College), Daniel Ntambwe (Wing / Coffeyville CC) and Jalen Calloway (Guard / Vincennes University).