Marcus Arnold decides to transfer to Illinois

Marcus Arnold, a 6-8, 240-pound junior forward from Chicago (Morgan Park H.S.), has announced his decision to transfer to Illinois from Illinois State. He will sit out the season and have two years of eligibility remaining for the Illini.

Marcus Arnold started 27 games last season at ISU, ranking second on the team in scoring with an average of 12.3 points. He reached double figures in 20 games, scoring a career-high 23 points versus Western Kentucky and equaling his career best with 23 points on 11-of-17 shooting against the Illini on Jan. 3 at the Assembly Hall. Arnold shot 53 percent from the field, led the Redbirds with 4.6 rebounds per game and ranked second in the Missouri Valley with an average of 1.2 blocks. He was voted captain of the Missouri Valley Conference's Most Improved Team while also garnering honorable mention All-Valley honors.

Arnold started 20 games as a freshman, averaging 8.4 points and 3.4 rebounds. He was named to the 2003 Missouri Valley All-Newcomer Team.

"We're pleased to have Marcus join our team," Weber said. "He's a player that will provide a low-post presence and give us depth on the frontline. Usually you discourage a transfer, but occasionally you have a situation where a fresh start benefits the individual and this was the case with Marcus. He has an opportunity to come in and work hard and help make our team better next year. Hopefully, he will then put himself in a position where he can compete for playing time and contribute the following two seasons."