By Pat Harty

IOWA CITY, Iowa – Rumors have persisted since the season ended on March 1 that some members of the Iowa men's basketball team will choose to transfer.

In the case of shooting guard Brady Ellingson, it is no longer a rumor.

Iowa coach Fran McCaffery announced Tuesday that Ellingson, a redshirt junior, will earn his degree in enterprise leadership in May and transfer from the Hawkeye basketball program. Ellingson, who has been with the Iowa basketball program the past four years, will be eligible to play next season as a graduate transfer.

Ellingson (6-foot-4, 196 pounds) played in 94 career games, where he was a 40 percent career 3-point shooter. He averaged 2.8 points and 1.1 assists in 26 contests this past season.

“We want to thank Brady for his contribution to our program over the past four seasons,” said McCaffery. “Brady is a hard worker, a terrific teammate, and a good student. We wish Brady good luck in his future endeavors. My staff and I will do whatever we can to help Brady during this transition.”

The native of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, was granted a medical redshirt as a true freshman in 2014-15, after missing a majority of the season due to a foot injury.

“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of the Iowa basketball program the past four seasons,” Ellingson said. “I look forward to pursuing an expanded role at another institution where I can achieve the goals I have as both a basketball player and student. I will take with me the memories and friendships created with my teammates. I also want to thank the Hawkeye fans for their support the last four years.”

In addition to Ellingson's departure, junior-to-be forward Tyler Cook also announced shortly after the end of the season that he plans to test the NBA draft process to see where he stands. The 6-9, 255-pound Cook doesn't plan to sign with an agent, meaning he could return to Iowa next season.

Cook led Iowa in scoring (15.3 points per game), rebounding (6.8) and dunks (60 total) during a disappointing sophomore season that concluded with a 14-19 record.

Hawkeyesports.com contributed to this article