TERRE HAUTE, Ind. - Jake Kelly, who announced last week that he was leaving the University of Iowa basketball program, made a verbal commitment Tuesday to Indiana State.

"I'm real excited to be closer to home. 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," Kelly told the Terre Haute Tribune-Star. "All of that excites me about coming to ISU."

Kelly averaged 11.6 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game for the Hawkeyes this past season.

The Carmel, Ind., native is uncertain if he'll play for the Sycamores next year or if he'll be required to sit out a season due to NCAA transfer rules.

Kelly told the Tribune-Star that he has already begun the process of applying for a hardship exemption to gain eligibility for the 2009-10 campaign. Kelly's mother, Julia, died in a plane crash last June in Florida.

His father, Bob, currently lives in Terre Haute, primarily the reason for Kelly transferring.

Kelly can sign with the Sycamores on April 15, the first day of the spring signing period.