The Milwuakee Journal Sentinel reports that Neil Plank will leave the Badger men’s basketball team next year. The 6-foot-5 forward announced that he intends to play basketball at Illinois State next year.

Plank, a recruit of Dick Bennett, said that coaching changes have not been a factor in his decision to leave, but that he desires to play closer to his home. Plank is from Mt. Zion Illinois, about an hour drive from Illinois State.

Plank experienced moderate success as a true freshman with the Badgers this season. He played in 26 of 32 games and scored a career-high seven points against Ohio December 8.

The loss of Plank means the Badgers will likely have 10 scholarship players next season. The Badgers have already signed four players for the class of 2002.

One more scholarship is currently available, but coaches may elect to save it for the 2003 class, when they would have only two scholarships available should they elect to sign the NCAA maximum of five in 2002.