Eastern Illinois University men’s basketball head coach Marty Simmons announced on Apr. 17 the addition of forward Demar Burton, who is transferring from Tiffin University.
The move is significant for the Panthers as they continue to build their roster for the upcoming season. Burton, standing at 6-foot-8 and weighing 215 pounds, is expected to contribute immediately on defense and provide a strong presence in the paint.
Burton averaged 9.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game last season at Tiffin University. He led the Great Midwest Athletic Conference in blocked shots and had seven games with three or more blocks, including a five-block performance against Universidad Metropolitana where he also recorded a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. One of his top offensive performances was a win over Hillsdale College in which he scored 17 points while shooting eight-for-ten from the field.
“Demar brings a physical post presence to our line-up and will impact play on both ends of the court. He has great work ethic with a relentless high motor, high character and leadership,” said Simmons. “His team-first mindset and commitment to winning align well with the culture at Eastern Illinois.”
Before joining Tiffin University, Burton played two seasons at junior colleges: Paris Junior College as a freshman before moving to Coastal Bend Junior College for his sophomore year where he averaged 11.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and ranked second in NJCAA Region 14 in blocked shots with an average of 2.1 per game.
A native of San Antonio, Texas, Burton attended Brandeis High School where he was ranked seventeenth in Texas for blocked shots during his senior year while averaging three blocks per game along with nearly nineteen points and nine rebounds each contest.
Burton becomes the third new player added to Eastern Illinois University’s roster for next season alongside guard Jalen Miller from East Central Oklahoma through transfer portal recruitment and Jayden Wright from Benet Academy who signed earlier.
