5 Facts About Eastern Illinois University Mens Basketball

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Eastern Illinois University's men's basketball team has a rich history and a loyal fan base. Here are five interesting facts about the team:

The team was established in 1904 and has been a member of the NCAA Division I since 1981. Over the years, the Panthers have had their fair share of successes, including several conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances.

Fact #1: The Panthers' Home Court

The Eastern Illinois University men's basketball team plays their home games at the Lantz Arena, which is located on the university's campus in Charleston, Illinois. The arena has a seating capacity of over 5,300 and provides an intimate and electric atmosphere for the team's home games.

Fact #2: Conference Affiliations

The Eastern Illinois University men's basketball team is a member of the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC). The team has been a part of the OVC since 1996 and has won several conference championships during their time in the league.

Fact #3: NCAA Tournament Appearances

The Eastern Illinois University men's basketball team has made two NCAA Tournament appearances in their history. Their first appearance was in 1992, and their second appearance was in 2001.

Fact #4: Notable Alumni

The Eastern Illinois University men's basketball team has produced several notable alumni who have gone on to have successful careers in basketball. One of the most notable alumni is Jay Taylor, who played for the team from 1985 to 1989 and was a two-time All-American.

Fact #5: Coaching Staff

The Eastern Illinois University men's basketball team is currently coached by Jay Spoonhour, who has been the head coach since 2012. Spoonhour has led the team to several conference championships and has been named the OVC Coach of the Year twice.

Additional Facts

• The Eastern Illinois University men's basketball team has a rivalry with the nearby Southern Illinois University Carbondale Salukis.
• The team's colors are blue and gray.
• The Panthers have won several conference championships, including six OVC regular season championships.

If you're a fan of college basketball, be sure to check out the Eastern Illinois University men's basketball team in action. With their rich history and loyal fan base, they're a team worth watching.