Illinois Tech head coach Rusty Loyd has a couple of additional reasons to celebrate. The Scarlet Hawk's coach has landed a pair of backcourt performers in Robert "Andre" Boney of Columbia (Mo.) and Kyle Corbin of Tipp City (Oh.).

Boney, a 6-2 guard, and Corbin, also a 6-2 guard, both signed with the Hawks on Friday (May 2). Boney is a transfer from Southern Illinois - Edwardsville who played his high school ball at Webster Groves in St Louis, while Corbin is finishing a stellar career at Tippecanoe High School in Northwestern Ohio.

"I'm excited that Andre and Kyle have chosen to join the Illinois Tech family," said Loyd, who just finished his second season as the coach at Illinois Tech. "They're very good players, they're very good students and they both bring a unique skill set to our team."

Boney averaged 10 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists, while helping Webster Groves to a 26-4 record his senior year.  He decided to attend Southern Illinois - Edwardsville to pursue an education in Engineering, but decided to transfer to Illinois Tech because of the basketball and educational opportunity.

"Andre is a very athletic player who can impact the game both offensively and defensively," noted Loyd.

Corbin comes to the Illinois Tech program after a incredibly successful high school career.  The guard averaged 23.9 points and 6 rebounds, while leading Tipp to a 15-8 record. He was named Central Buckeye Conference Co-Player of the Year, 1st Team All-District, 1st Team All-Dayton Area and played in the North South All-Star Game.  Over his career, he accumulated 1873 points along with 528 rebounds.

"Kyle combines a high level of skill with tenacity that very few players bring to the floor," stated Illinois Tech's head coach.

Boney and Corbin will join three other recruits, 6-9 Ian Sisson of Middleville, MI, 5-10 Andy Heiney of Houston, TX, and 6-3 Mike Ricciardi of Buffalo Grove, IL.

"We're thrilled to have these five new players in our program. They all fit well in our system and each is committed to team success," added Loyd.