Eastern Illinois men's basketball head coach Marty Simmons has added high school guard Shia Francis to the Panthers roster for the upcoming season.
 
Francis (6'3, 195) is from Houston, Texas where he attended Second Baptist School leading the program to back-to-back TAPPS 5A State Championships.  He will bring a competitive edge, athleticism, and versatility to the Panthers backcourt.  He is a dynamic guard who can impact the game on both ends of the floor having built a reputation as a tough competitor and high-character leader throughout his high school career.   He led the team to a 29-4 record including an 8-0 record in District play earning All-District and All-State honors.
 
For the season Francis averaged 13 points, six rebounds and two assists per game increasing those averages to 31 points, eight rebounds and five assists in the state playoff run.  He has a great work ethic, basketball IQ and leadership qualities that fit the foundation being built within the EIU basketball program  His ability to defend, create opportunities offensively and play with intensity make him a valuable addition to the roster.
 
"Shia is a very competitive and athletic guard that we believe will make an immediate impact on our program," said Simmons.  "Beyond his talent on the court, he is highly intelligent and mature, which will allow him to integrate seamlessly into our culture and continue to move EIU basketball forward.  He brings a strong background of success with his high school program developing into a standout guard competing at a high level in Texas high school basketball."
 
Francis is the  most recent 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 six 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), Jalen Calloway (Guard / Vincennes University), Gavin Welch (Forward / Lake Erie College) and tanner Vogel (Center / Faulkner State).