Eastern Illinois men's basketball head coach Marty Simmons has added high school wing Ethan Hillsman to the Panthers roster for the upcoming season.
 
Hillsman (6-6 / 190) played this past season at Fishers High School in Indiana leading the team to a 24-1 record during the season.  Hillsman averaged 11.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 58 percent from the field during the season.  At Fishers he competed against some of the top programs in the state gaining valuable experience in a highly competitive environment.  He earned IBCA Honorable Mention All-State honors as a senior.
 
"Ethan brings an energy and toughness that our fans will appreciate," said Simmons.  "He is a high-character young man who comes from a tremendous high school program.  He has the size, athleticism and basketball instincts to fit the style we want to play.  His ability to make plays in transition, defend multiple positions and score in a variety of ways makes him an exciting addition to our roster. 
 
A versatile wing with excellent length and explosiveness, Hillsman has developed into a player capable of affecting gams as a scorer, rebounder and defender.  His combination of athletic tools and feel for the game gives him the potential to continue growing into a significant contributor at the NCAA Division I level.
 
"What really stands out about Ethan is his upside," Simmons added.  "He has a tremendous work ethic and desire to improve every day.  He can play above the rim, he can make shots and he has the versatility to impact winning in several different areas.  We believe his best basketball is still ahead of him and we're excited to help him reach that potential as we welcome Ethan and his family to Eastern Illinois.
 
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 seven 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), Tanner Vogel (Center / Faulkner State) and Sahi Francis (Guard / Second Baptist School).