A new addition has been made to the Eastern Illinois University Men’s Basketball coaching staff. Chrys Cornelius has been hired as an assistant basketball coach and will officially begin working with players when school starts in August.

The assistant coaching position caught the interest of coaches from across the nation. Around 130 inquiries were made, according to Head Men’s Basketball Coach Mike Miller. But Cornelius’ versatility stood out among the contenders.

For the past four years, Cornelius has served as an assistant coach to Florida A&M University. While at FAMU, he helped coach the team to the first round of the NCAA tournament this past season.

Cornelius has also coached at Joliet Junior College, Western Illinois University, Chicago State and Jacksonville Junior College in Texas.

Cornelius spent time on the court in high school, playing for Joliet Catholic Academy. His performance earned him All-East Suburban Catholic League second team honors. He went on to play at Arkansas Pine-Bluff, but transferred to Western Illinois, where he eventually earned his degree.

Miller said that Cornelius is a well-rounded coach who will be an asset to the coaching staff.

“I think when you look at someone to fill a position, you look for them to bring something new to the table,” Miller said.

Being a native of Joliet, Cornelius has several contacts in the Chicago area, which will prove useful for EIU.

As an assistant coach, Cornelius will take on many responsibilities. Along with the rest of the coaching staff, he will work with players on the court, prepare for games and practices, as well as recruit players. Cornelius will prove especially useful when it comes to recruiting players from the Midwest.

Miller said that the team members seem excited about the addition to the staff.

“You can kinda tell just from interactions and those have been positive,” Miller said.