
The Eastern Illinois Panthers men's basketball team has represented Eastern Illinois University in Division 1 athletics since joining Division I in 1981. The Panthers have competed in the NCAA Division I tournament twice, in 1992 and 2001, and currently compete in the Ohio Valley Conference.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Team Name | Eastern Illinois Panthers |
| University | Eastern Illinois University |
| Location | Charleston, Illinois, United States |
| League | Ohio Valley Conference |
| Division | Division 1 |
| NCAA Division I Appearances | 1992, 2001 |
| NCAA Division I Record | 0-2 |
| NCAA Division II Appearances | Six times |
| NCAA Division II Record | 10-7 |
| NAIA Appearances | Six times |
| NAIA Record | 7-7 |
| CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament Appearances | Once |
| CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament Record | 1-1 |
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What You'll Learn

Eastern Illinois University basketball team history
The Eastern Illinois Panthers men's basketball team represents Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois, United States. The team began in the 1908-09 season and currently competes in the Ohio Valley Conference.
The Panthers joined NCAA Division I in 1981 and have appeared in the Division I tournament twice, in 1992 and 2001, with a combined record of 0-2. Prior to joining Division I, the team competed in the NCAA Division II tournament six times, with a combined record of 10-7. They have also appeared in the NAIA tournament six times, with a combined record of 7-7, and in the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament (CIT) once, with a record of 1-1.
The Panthers have a rich history in basketball, with their earliest team taking to the court over a century ago. While their Division I record is not particularly notable, with no wins in two appearances, they have found success in other tournaments. Their best performance relative to their peers came in the NCAA Division II tournament, where they achieved a winning record across six appearances.
The team's most successful season in Division I came in the 1991-92 season when they won the Ohio Valley Conference regular-season championship and earned their first berth to the NCAA Tournament. In the tournament, they were defeated by the Indiana Hoosiers in the first round. The Panthers returned to the NCAA Tournament in 2001 after winning the Ohio Valley Conference tournament, but they were again eliminated in the first round, this time by the Arizona Wildcats.
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Current basketball division
The Eastern Illinois Panthers men's basketball team represents Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois. The team currently competes in the Ohio Valley Conference and has appeared in the NCAA Division I tournament twice since joining Division I in 1981.
The Panthers first basketball team started in the 1908-09 season. Since then, the team has gone on to compete in several tournaments, including the NCAA Division II tournament six times and the NAIA tournament six times. The Panthers made it to the NCAA Division I tournament in 1992 and 2001, achieving a combined record of 0-2 for their Division I appearances.
Eastern Illinois University participates in Division 1 athletics, offering a challenging and competitive environment for its athletes. The Panthers have had notable successes, such as Nakyel Shelton's impressive 28-point performance, which led the team to victory over Ohio Valley Conference champion Southeast Missouri State and ended the Redhawks' 10-game winning streak.
The university provides a vibrant and engaging student life, with a range of events, clubs, and wellness programs to enhance the overall college experience. The Panthers, with their strong athletic presence, contribute to the energetic atmosphere on campus.
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Previous divisions
Eastern Illinois University's basketball team, the Panthers, has competed in several divisions since its first season in 1908-1909. The team currently competes in Division I athletics and is part of the Ohio Valley Conference. Prior to joining Division I in 1981, the Panthers had appearances in the NAIA tournament, NCAA Division II tournament, and the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament (CIT).
The Panthers have a rich history in the NAIA tournament, with six appearances and a combined record of 7-7. They have also competed in the NCAA Division II tournament six times, achieving a 10-7 combined record. In addition, the team has made one appearance in the CIT, with a record of 1-1.
The Panthers made their Division I tournament debut in 1992, marking a significant step forward for the program. They returned to the Division I tournament in 2001, showcasing their continued growth and competitiveness. These appearances in the prestigious Division I tournament, alongside their strong records in other divisions, highlight the team's determination and success.
Eastern Illinois University's basketball team has a proud history across multiple divisions, with their Division I status serving as a testament to their dedication to excellence in athletics. The Panthers continue to represent the university proudly in the competitive arena of college basketball.
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Tournament appearances
The Eastern Illinois Panthers men's basketball team has had a long history of tournament appearances, dating back to the 1940s. The team has competed in various divisions and tournaments over the years, with their first basketball team starting in the 1908-09 season.
Let's take a detailed look at their tournament appearances:
NCAA Division I Tournament:
The Eastern Illinois Panthers have appeared in the NCAA Division I tournament twice, in 1992 and 2001. Their combined record in these appearances is 0-2. The team moved up to Division I before the 1981-82 season.
NCAA Division II Tournament:
The Panthers have a more extensive history in the NCAA Division II tournament, with six appearances in total. They competed in the Division II tournament consecutively from 1975 to 1980. Their combined record in these tournaments is 10-7 (another source states 11-7). The team even reached the Final Four of the Division II tournament in 1976 and 1978.
NAIA Tournament:
Eastern Illinois Panthers have had six appearances in the NAIA tournament. These appearances came in 1947, 1949, 1950, 1952, 1953, and 1957. Their overall record in these tournaments is 7-7. They also reached the semifinals of the NAIA tournament in 1957.
CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament (CIT):
The Panthers have a single appearance in the CIT tournament, which occurred in 2015. Their record in this tournament is 0-1 (or 1-1, according to another source).
The Eastern Illinois Panthers men's basketball team currently competes in the Ohio Valley Conference and continues to build on its basketball legacy.
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Notable players
The Eastern Illinois Panthers men's basketball team has had several notable players over the years. The team, which is based in Charleston, Illinois, United States, currently competes in the Ohio Valley Conference and has appeared in the NCAA Division I tournament twice, in 1992 and 2001.
Some of the top players from the team include Kooper Jacobi, Nakyel Shelton, Rodolfo Bolis, Corey Sawyer, and Artese Stapleton. The team is currently coached by Marty Simmons.
Eastern Illinois University has also produced several notable athletes in other sports, including professional basketball players Henry Domercant, who played in Europe, and Kevin Duckworth, a former National Basketball Association (NBA) all-star center.
Other notable basketball players from the university include Jay Taylor, a former NBA player for the New Jersey Nets, and Dave Slifer, who is currently a women's basketball coach for the Central Missouri Jennies basketball program.
The university has also had several notable wrestlers, including Matt Hughes, a retired professional MMA fighter and former two-time UFC Welterweight Champion, and Kenny Robertson, a four-time NCAA Division I qualifier in wrestling who has competed in the UFC and Bellator Fighting Championships.
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Frequently asked questions
Eastern Illinois University's basketball team, the Panthers, competes in Division 1 athletics.
The Panthers joined Division 1 in 1981.
The Panthers have competed in the NCAA Division I tournament twice, in 1992 and 2001.
The Panthers have a combined record of 0-2 in the NCAA Division I tournament.










































