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Illinois State transfer Jon Ekey to play next season at Illinois

Missouri Valley Conference Tournament - Semifinals

ST. LOUIS, MO - MARCH 9: Ron Baker #31 of the Wichita State Shockers drives past Jon Ekey #22 of the Illinois State Redbirds during the semifinals of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament at the Scottrade Center on March 9, 2013 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Getty Images

Former Illinois State forward Jon Ekey announced late on Tuesday that he will be transferring to Illinois for his final season of basketball.

Ekey, who stands 6-foot-7 and averaged 6.5 points and 4.2 boards a season ago, is a fifth-year transfer. He will be eligible immediately for the Illini, who lose Tyler Griffey, Brandon Paul, DJ Richardson and Sam McLaurin to graduation.

Ekey will actually be the third graduate transfer that Illinois has used in the past three seasons. McLaurin joined the program from Coastal Carolina, while point guard Sam Maniscalco left Bradley to become a member of the Illini the year before.

Ekey won’t be the only Missouri Valley transfer on Illinois’ roster next season, either. Former Drake guard Rayvonte Rice say out this past season and will have two years of eligibility remaining. Former Seton Hall guard Aaron Cosby also committed to the Illini on Friday.

You can find Rob on twitter @RobDauster.