PHILADELPHIA – La Salle men's basketball has added another Philadelphia standout to its future frontcourt, as 7-foot-1-inch center Anthony Pannell Jr. has signed with the Explorers for the 2027-28 season, head coach Darris Nichols announced.

A Philadelphia native, Pannell is the son of Anthony and Charlene. He brings an imposing presence in the paint and considerable potential to the Explorers' frontcourt. The 7-footer is currently completing a prep season at Woodstock Academy in Connecticut.

Pannell competes for Hellstar on the Overtime Elite (OTE) circuit, one of the nation's premier platforms for high-level prep basketball.

Pannell's path to the collegiate level began at John Bartram High School in Philadelphia, where he competed in the highly competitive Philadelphia Public League. Facing some of the city's toughest high school competition, Pannell continued to develop his game before taking the next step in his basketball journey with a year of prep school experience.

At Woodstock Academy, Pannell is gaining valuable experience against nationally competitive opponents, providing an opportunity to further develop his game against some of the country's top prep talent. His combination of size, length and mobility gives him the tools to make an impact on both ends of the floor.

On the defensive end, Pannell's seven-foot frame and length provide an imposing presence around the rim, while his mobility offers the potential to defend multiple areas of the floor. Offensively, his size gives the Explorers another interior target with the ability to finish around the basket and compete on the glass.

Pannell also brings valuable experience on the grassroots circuit, having competed with Philly Pride AAU on the Under Armour Circuit, where he continued to test himself against elite competition while developing his skills.

Pannell will join the Explorers for the 2027-28 campaign, adding size, athleticism and another Philadelphia connection to La Salle's roster.