The University of Illinois Springfield men's basketball team announced six newcomers have joined the roster for the 2024-25 school year. The newest Prairie Stars are Tye Banks, Dezmund Jackson, Braden McGlothlin, Landon Schlanger, Colin Schuler and Nate Shockey.
"Our assistant coaches, led by Coach Adam Eberhard, worked extremely hard this year in recruiting," shared Head Coach Matt Brock. "We have found some guys that fit us on the court, but more importantly, fit who we are in the classroom and the community. We hope the Springfield community will come out to see our team at TRAC this winter!"
Tye Banks
Banks, a Springfield native, is a 6'3 junior guard who spent his first two years at Parkland College playing for Coach John Bowler. He was named to the all-conference team and averaged 9.3 points per game and 4.7 rebounds as the Cobras won the Region 24 championship and advanced to the NJCAA National Quarterfinals.
A standout at Springfield Lanphier High School for Coach Blake Turner, he led the Lions to a conference title in 2021 and was named IBCA Class 3A all-state after averaging 15.9 points per game and 6.9 rebounds.
"Tye is a very physical and strong guard with a winning background," said Coach Brock. "We are very excited to have him at UIS. He will bring some toughness and championship habits on both ends of the floor."
Dezmund Jackson
Jackson is a 6'3 freshman guard who comes to UIS from Rock Island High School where he played for Coach Marc Polite. Last year, he captained the Rocks to the regional final and a 2nd place finish in the Western Big 6 conference.
Jackson averaged 13 points per game and 7 rebounds per game and received all-conference and academic all-conference honors.
"Dezmund caught our eye at elite camp." Said Brock. "He plays very hard and we are excited to see him develop at UIS."
Braden McGlothlin
McGlothlin is a 6'3 guard who transfers to UIS from defending GLVC champion, Indianapolis. He redshirted in 2023-24 and will have four years of eligibility at UIS.
McGlothlin played at Catholic Memorial High School (WI) for his father, Jeremy. He was a WBCA All-State and Academic All-State selection his senior year, averaging 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists per game.
"Braden is a point guard with good size and strength," said Brock. "He understands the game and plays with a high level of toughness and effort. We are very happy to get Braden to Springfield."
Landon Schlanger
Schlanger is a 6'7 forward who comes to UIS from Christian Brothers College High School in St. Louis where he played for Coach Sam Briscoe. Schlanger averaged 10.2 points per game and added 4.1 rebounds per game while shooting 57% from the field.
"Landon is a skilled forward who comes from a great high school program in St. Louis. He works very hard at improving his game. We are excited to see him grow in a UIS uniform."
Colin Schuler
Schuler is a 6'8 junior forward from Maryville University. Prior to that, he played for Notre Dame High School in Peoria helping them to the regional final in 2022.
Schuler averaged 4.1 points and 1.9 rebounds per game in 2023-24, including 11 points and three 3PT field goals vs. UIS.
"Colin is an athletic and skilled forward with great size for position. He's played two years in our league and will give us experience and floor spacing."
Nate Shockey
Shockey is a 6'2 graduate transfer from Quincy University. He averaged 9.2 points 3.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game for the Hawks this past year.
Shockey is an Elmhurst, IL native who started his career at NCAA Division I North Dakota.
"Nate is a seasoned veteran. He is a strong guard who can dribble, pass and shoot. He has been successful in the GLVC and we are excited to see what he adds to this group."