The wait is finally over, as Eastern’s men’s basketball season is here. No more exhibition games, everything from this point on counts.

The Panthers travel to Indiana State for their 2011-2012 opener. Eastern is coming off a disappointing season last year, finishing 9-20 overall and missing the Ohio Valley Conference tournament after being picked third in the preseason poll. This year, the will aim to prove doubters wrong after being picked ninth in this years poll.

Senior guard Jeremy Granger leads the Panthers as he was selected to the preseason All-OVC team. Granger led the team last year in scoring with 14.5 points per game.

Eastern has not fared well against Indiana State in the past, as the Sycamores lead the all-time series 83-36. The last time these teams met was in 2005 where Indiana State won 66-56.

Indiana State is led by sophomore guard Jake Odum. Odum is a preseason All-Missouri Valley Conference selection.

The Sycamores won the MVC tournament last season and qualified for the NCAA tournament, while posting a record of 20-14 overall.

Under head coach Mike Miller, Eastern is 2-4 in season-opening games.

Granger, senior guard L.C. Doss, red-shirt junior guard Taylor Jones, sophomore forward Alfonzo McKinnie and senior forward Zavier Sanders started the exhibition game against Olivet Nazarene and should start against Indiana State.

Game time is scheduled for 4 p.m. in Terre Haute, Ind.

Panthers sign

three players

In the NCAA’s early national signing period, Eastern has already signed three recruits. They are guard Cameron Harvey, forward R.J. McGhee and guard Alex Phillips.

Miller said he thinks these

players will help the program.

“All three of these players bring a great deal of athletic and scoring ability to our program,” said Miller in the press release. “Over the last two years we have emphasized going after more athletic players to enhance our program and make us competitive not only in the OVC but in our overall schedule. These three players continue that trend.”

Rob Mortell can be reached at 581-7944 or at rdmortell@eiu.edu.