Sam Maniscalco has asked Bradley for his release in order to transfer to Illinois, according to two sources.

If Maniscalco receives his release, graduates as planned from Bradley in May and receives NCAA approval, the point guard would immediately become eligible to play for the 11-12 season.

Maniscalco is a sports communication major at Bradley, which does not offer a graduate program in communications. Illinois has grad programs in communication and communications and media.

Illinois has just one scholarship remaining for next season and has promised it to Peoria Notre Dame’s Max Bielfeldt. Michigan remains in consideration for Bielfeldt.

Illinois will have a need at point guard upon the departure of Demetri McCamey.

“Those schools — including Illinois — will have to recruit him,” Champaign News-Gazette sportswriter Paul Klee said. “I don’t expect he or his family wants to deal with any baloney in the next program. They are probably looking for a locker room that is focused on winning, without attitudinal baggage and with a chance to play in the NCAA tournament.”