Illinois State forward headed to Illinois

Forward Jon Ekey is leaving Illinois State and transferring to nearby Illinois for his final season.

The 6-foot-7 Ekey, who announced his decision on Tuesday night, averaged 6.5 points and 4.2 rebounds last season for the Redbirds. As a fifth-year transfer, he will become eligible immediately at Illinois, which is suffering heavy graduation losses that include Brandon Paul, D.J. Richardson and Tyler Griffey.

Ekey will join transfer guard Rayvonte Rice from Drake and former Seton Hall guard Aaron Cosby at Illinois.