Aaron Cosby To Transfer From Illinois

According to a press release for Illinois on Friday afternoon, Aaron Cosby will be leaving the program following this season by transfer.  Cosby has been suspended for the last few games for an unspecified reason and it appears that things did not work out as he will be heading elsewhere.

Cosby played his first two season for Seton Hall before transferring to Illinois and sitting out the 2013-14 season.  During this season, Cosby played in 19 games including eight games in December where he played at least 20 minutes in every game.  His offensive rating this season is 89.5 and he was averaging 7.8 points and 3.6 rebounds per game this season.

Here is the full release:

Champaign, Ill.- Fighting Illini head basketball coach John Groce announced Friday that Illinois and redshirt junior guard Aaron Cosby (Louisville Ky.) have parted ways. Cosby will remain enrolled in spring semester classes and intends to earn his degree before transferring to another institution to pursue a master's degree.

"After having further discussions with Aaron and evaluating the situation from both sides, he and I have mutually agreed that it is best to part ways," Groce said. "I enjoyed coaching Aaron and appreciate the contributions he made during his time here. I wish him success and will be rooting for him to have a great finish to his career."

Cosby played in the first 19 games of the season, starting 13 times. He ranked fourth on the Illini in scoring with an average of 7.8 points. He scored in double figures in six games, led by a season-high 19 points in a victory at Northwestern on Jan. 14.

"I have a great relationship with my coaches and teammates here at Illinois, but feel it's in my best interest to seek out a new opportunity," Cosby said. "I'm thankful for everyone in the program for their support and look forward to the next chapter in my basketball career."

There is no doubt that Cosby was not the best player for Illinois this season, but he certainly made valuable contributions, especially when star guard Rayvonte Rice went down.  Still, with him already out of the lineup over the last few games, things should be easier and with talented freshman Jalen Coleman-Lands coming to campus next season, perhaps they already have their replacement.