Charlotte forward Willie Clayton transferring to Georgia State

Charlotte forward Willie Clayton is transferring to Georgia State to play his final college season.

The 6-foot-7 Clayton started 22 games for the 49ers last season, averaging 7.3 points and ranking 13th in Conference USA in rebounding at 6.3 per game. He decided to finish his career closer to home, having played at Thomasville (Ga.) High School.

Clayton will start classes at Georgia State this summer and begin practicing with the Panthers, but will not be eligible to play until 2016-17.

Still, coach Ron Hunter calls it an important addition for a team that has won two straight Sun Belt Conference titles and pulled off a stunning upset of third-seeded Baylor in the NCAA tournament.