Marlon London will finish his college basketball career at DePaul University.
London, a 6-foot-5 native of Broadview, Ill., who played the past two years at Kansas University, on Wednesday announced plans to attend the Chicago school and play for Blue Demon coach Pat Kennedy.
“I think this is a great transition for me at this time,” London said. “I am very excited to be able to come home and play in front of my family and friends.
“It’s also going to be great to play with Imari Sawyer, Andre Brown, Steve Hunter, Bobby Simmons and Lance Williams. Those are guys (Chicagoans) that I grew up playing with and I want to help keep the winning tradition going that they have already established at DePaul.”
London averaged 3.6 points, 2.3 rebounds in 64 games at KU after averaging 17.6 points and six boards his senior year at Chicago St. Joseph’s High. He will practice with the Blue Demons next season but not play in games in accordance with NCAA transfer rules.
Coincidentally, KU will play DePaul next season at the United Center in Chicago. London will sit on the Demon bench in suit and tie for that contest.
“In researching DePaul basketball over the last 30 or so years, Marlon might be the highest profile transfer to ever come to DePaul,” Kennedy said.
“He comes from a tremendous background starting at St. Joe’s with coach (Gene) Pingatore through his two seasons with coach (Roy) Williams at Kansas.
“Marlon is best described as a tenacious defender with a big heart who loves to win. He is a very welcome addition to our program.”
Williams granted London his release from KU, freeing him to commit to the Blue Demons.
“Marlon missed his family and friends — getting home when he wanted to get home,” Williams said Wednesday. “I think that’s 99.9 percent of the whole decision right there. He’s the second youngster we’ve had to transfer in 12 years. Go around the country and I don’t think there’s a record like that.
“Ben Davis was the one youngster who transferred and he wanted to come back. Ben still thinks it was a huge mistake on his part and yet he won a national championship at Hutchinson and a great run at Arizona.
“Last spring, Marlon had the same thoughts (of transferring). I called Ben and said, ‘Why don’t you talk to Marlon.’ Ben still advised Marlon to stay. Marlon is a fine young man. We wish him well. He will always have my support.”
