Four of the eight new faces on Eastern’s roster this season are just one year removed from high school.

Eastern has four new freshmen this season who have already made contributions to the team, as forwards Zavier Sanders and James Hollowell, and guards Will Hamilton and Jeremy Granger have all received playing time.

“We have a good group of freshmen,” Eastern head coach Mike Miller said. “We like the guys that are here. They’re learning what the expectations are and the demands more than anything.”

Miller said the freshmen’s biggest adjustment is adapting to the speed and physical nature of college basketball. He said it is a new experience for all of the new players.

“They are playing at such a different speed,” Miller said. “When that speed levels out, the game will become much easier.”

Senior forward Billy Parrish said they are a good group of freshmen who bring a lot to the program.

So far this season, Hollowell and Sanders have made the biggest splash for the Panthers.

Hollowell, from North Central High School in Indianapolis, Ind., played in four of the first five games for Eastern before suffering a foot injury.

“Hopefully we can get him back soon,” Miller said. “He was getting some quality minutes.”

Hollowell played about 12 minutes per game in the four games he played and averaged 3.8 points and 3.8 rebounds.

Parrish said Hollowell has a “sweet” game and he will be really good in the future.

Sanders, from Northwestern High School in Kokomo, Ind., has played in five games for the Panthers and made his presence felt on the defensive side of the ball.

“Sanders is getting some time as a freshman, and he has come on and been aggressive,” Miller said. “He is playing hard.”

Sanders said the hardest adjustment so far has been the speed of the game.

“It’s a faster pace from high school,” he said. “The physicality of the game is also greater. It’s something you get used to, but it’s coming along pretty good.”

Granger, from Elgin High School, is a young player that the coaching staff will continue to keep bringing along, Miller said.

“He needs some more experience,” Miller said. “How we want to play defensively, he really has the ability to do that. He’s just got to put everything together, and in time, he will.”

Miller said the staff is doing the same thing in brining along Hamilton, who played at Greenfield Central High School in Greenfield, Ind.

“He’s got really good offensive skills package,” Miller said. “He’s just getting stronger. His is more of a physical thing.”

Parrish said Hamilton is one of the most athletic people on the team.

“He’s got a good jump shot, and he’s going to be really good for the program,” Parrish said.

Sanders said he thinks, as a group, the freshmen are helping the team.

“We are staying on pace,” he said. “We are not slacking off, which I think is a good thing.”

Dan Cusack can be reached at 581-7944 or at dscusack@eiu.edu.