Sporting News: Former Drake shooting guard Rayvonte Rice is coming home. On Wednesday, Rice said he would transfer to hometown school, Illinois, once the semester ends.

Rice, a 6-4, 240-pound native of Champaign, Ill., averaged 16.5 points and 5.7 rebounds in his sophomore season. He said he picked Illinois over an offer from Xavier. He must sit out the 2012-13 season but then will have two years of eligibility remaining for new Illini coach John Groce.

Rice said he has known Groce on years, having been recruited by Groce to Ohio.

"Illinois, I think it's a good fit," Rice told ESPN. "The coaches really made me feel comfortable. I get a chance to play in front of my friends and family. It's going to be great.

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