Iowa Basketball Briefs

Kelly Chooses Indiana State

According to the Star-Tribune in Terre Haute, Ind., Jake Kelly has decided to transfer to Indiana State--very close to home. In doing so, Kelly will apply for a hardship waiver which would grant him the chance to play immediately instead of sitting out a season.

From the Press-Citizen: "I'm real excited to be closer to home," Kelly told the Star-Tribune on Monday. "I think we can get the Hulman Center packed again because we're going to be a good team, we're going to be playing at a high level and I think we can contend for the NCAA Tournament."

That's quite a bold statement considering the Sycamores' 11-21 overall record last season. But the addition of a player like Kelly will certainly make a huge difference in Terre Haute. He'll immediately be one of the top players in the MVC.

Kelly's decision to go to Indiana State says that Kelly was telling the truth about wanting to be closer to home. Speculation about being unhappy with Lickliter seems to have been false. Kelly could've gone to a better school than what he did, but he truly wanted to go home.

Peterson to Missouri State?

Jeff Peterson is rumored to be headed near home as well. The Springfield, Mo., native may be going to Missouri State. The Bears brought up the rear in the MVC last season, going 3-15 in conference play.

Peterson definitely isn't considering going there because of a desire to be at a winning program. It's difficult to understand why Peterson left Iowa. He still hasn't given a valid reason publicly.

New Scholarship Offer

According to Hawkeyereport.com, Iowa has offered Schaumburg, Ill., point guard Cully Payne who had previously signed a letter of intent with Alabama. Alabama released him from his signing upon his request after the departure of head coach Mark Gottfried.

Hawkeyereport.com also reported that Payne visited Iowa City on Thursday. Apparently Payne is very interested by Iowa's offer. A commitment could come soon. The Iowa staff is obviously working very hard to fill the vacant scholarships.