Is Jake Kelly Leaving Iowa?

Two weeks ago Jake Kelly refuted rumors that he planned to transfer to Indiana State following the spring semester.

Now, similar rumors are floating that Kelly still plans to transfer back to his home state. Iowa associate sports information director Steve Roe said Tuesday that Kelly’s status with the team hasn’t changed. The sophomore remains on campus, enrolled in classes and attended a team meeting Monday.

Kelly said March 9 he thought about moving back to Indiana to be closer to his father, Bob.

“Of course I considered that when my mom died, yeah,” Kelly said. “That’s probably where they get that from but this is where…I’m here, where I’m going to be.”

In Iowa’s final seven regular-season games, Kelly averaged 20 points a game. He produced back-to-back double-doubles in Iowa’s final two regular-season games.

Kelly was named Big Ten Player of the Week after scoring 23 points, dishing nine assists and grabbing eight rebounds, all while playing 45 minutes in an overtime win against Michigan. He followed that with a pair of 20-point performances in losses at Michigan State and Northwestern.

But Kelly really established himself against Penn State. Despite playing with a 101-degree temperature and a sinus infection, Kelly played 47 of 50 minutes in a double-OT upset win against Penn State. He scored 22 points, dished 11 assists and grabbed four rebounds in them game.

Kelly was an honorable mention all-Big Ten selection this season.