Illinois coach John Groce says Mike Thorne Jr. will transfer to Illinois from Charlotte for the 2015-2016 season.

According to a Thursday news release from the University of Illinois, Thorne has signed a tender of financial aid and will enroll as a graduate student.

The 6-11 center started 30 of 32 games last season. He was third-leading scorer for the Charlotte 49ers, averaging 10.1 points, while shooting 53.4 percent from the field. He also ranked fifth in Conference USA in rebounding with an average of 7.3 boards.

Groce says Thorne is an experienced productive player with "tremendous work ethic."

Thorne is scheduled to graduate next month from Charlotte with a bachelor's degree in sociology.