SHELBYVILLE – Fans of Rich Beyers won't have to travel far to catch the finish of his college career.

The former Illini said Sunday he'll transfer to Illinois State. Beyers liked what he saw on a weekend visit there and picked the Redbirds over Southern Illinois and Butler.

"It's where I felt the most comfortable," he said. "Coach (Kevin) Stallings is a great guy. Just real easy for me to talk to, and he seemed to really fit my coaching style."

Beyers will have 21/2 years of eligibility at ISU. By enrolling now – he left this morning for Normal – he'll be eligible at the start of the second semester next year.

The former Shelbyville High star left Illinois last month over a lack of playing time. He was averaging 3.9 points and 1.8 rebounds in 14 minutes.

He's expecting more of everything at ISU, which already has transfers L. Dee Murdock (Missouri) and Sean Riley (North Texas) on its roster. Dan Luczywko, a transfer from South Florida, is sitting out this season.

"The opportunity's there," Beyers said. "The big thing is that I work hard in the redshirt season I have coming up. Hopefully, I'll be able to step right in there."

Beyers is the third Illinois forward to leave for a Division I school since the end of last season. Awvee Storey is sitting out at Arizona State, and Carvell Ammons takes off Wednesday for Maine.