Issue date: 11/21/08 Section: Sports

Already making a difference for the team this season, junior forward Edin Suljic and junior guards T.J. Marion, Jay Smith and Dewayne Wright Jr. all transferred from community colleges across the nation to Eastern. (Robbie Wroblewski / The Daily Eastern News)

The Eastern men's basketball team has had a major facelift since the end of last season. Four players graduated and a number of players transferred or were removed from the program, so the team has eight new players this year including four transfers and four freshmen.

Junior guards Dewayne Wright, Jr., Jay Smith, T.J. Marion and junior forward Edin Suljic all joined the Panthers this season from community colleges and some have already made a difference this season.

The transfers are not only teammates, but also all live together, and that's something Suljic said helps build a bond between them.

"We all know where each one is coming from, and we all have that in common," he said.

Wright said living together gives the transfers a bond.

"I think we have a tight connection because we don't live with the guys in the dorms," Wright said. "We live by ourselves in the University Court, and I think that has helped us a lot."

All four players have already made a difference on the court, something Eastern head coach Mike Miller said is the reason he recruited the players. He said during the offseason, he was looking for players to come in and fit roles and add something to the program.

Suljic has started both games this season and is averaging eight points and 2.5 rebounds per game.

"We were looking for athletic and versatile," Miller said. "(Suljic) has certainly brought that, and he has shown early on too what he can do to make the team better. He has come in and taken over a starting spot as a newcomer."

Wright said Suljic is very athletic and he has not seen a player with Suljic's jumping ability often.

Marion started against Manchester College and did a little bit of everything in Eastern's blowout win as he scored six points, had six assists and had five rebounds.

Miller said Marion is a winner that has come from winning teams and winning programs. Miller said he has been watching him since his junior year of high school, and the Aurora native brings a lot to the team.

"He's kind of a glue guy; he holds things together," Miller said. "He is very versatile."

Suljic said Marion is a multitalented player who defends well and can create opportunities for his teammates.

Smith came off the bench to score 11 points in Eastern's win Wednesday and Miller said the Panthers' coaches have also been watching him for years.

"(Smith's) an outstanding shooter," Miller said. "He has been a part of some great programs, and after playing in Texas for a few years this was a chance to get him close to home in Terre Haute, Ind. He is obviously a good fit for the program."

Wright is a lightning quick guard who scored 11 points in Eastern's win in addition to four rebounds and one assist. Miller said his coaches were looking for a guard late last season, and when they found Wright, his talents impressed them.

"When we saw him he was almost a one-man press breaker," Miller said. "He is very hard to keep contained, and in the league he played in Kansas they pressed him a lot."

Miller said Wright gives the Panthers a push man to spark their offense.

Suljic said Wright was a scorer last season, but is learning to play the point and create opportunities for his teammates.

Miller said what the transfers have shown so far is what he expected from them.

"We all bring a little something different to the table," Wright said. "I have my quickness, (Marion) plays great defense, (Smith) can shoot and (Suljic) is a great rebounder, so we all bring something to the table I think."

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

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