Junior guard Chris Allen and senior forward Raymar Morgan express their frustration at a call the referees made in the second half of MSU’s first-round NCAA Tournament game at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena.
Former guard Chris Allen has decided to transfer to Iowa State, MSU confirmed Friday.
Allen, who would have been a senior for the MSU men’s basketball team, was removed from the team Aug. 3 for failing to meet several obligations laid out by head coach Tom Izzo.
“I chose Iowa State because it felt like the right place for me, much like Michigan State did when I came out of high school,” Allen said in a statement. “It has a great family atmosphere that makes it feel like home. I was really impressed with Coach (Fred) Hoiberg and the rest of the coaching staff.”
The Lawrenceville, Ga., native averaged 8.2 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2 assists and shot 39 percent from 3-point range in 25.5 minutes per game last season along with being a key defensive contributor.
Izzo said he and Allen searched for a new school together.
“A year away from basketball and a fresh start will be beneficial for his development as a player and a young man,” Izzo said in a statement. “I’m sad to see him go, but he and I have worked together as he has searched for his next school. With the excitement around Coach Hoiberg as he builds his program, Iowa State is a great fit for Chris, and we wish him nothing but the best.”
Allen will have to sit out the 2010-11 season, per NCAA rules, before being allowed to play with the Cyclones the following season. Iowa State finished 15-17 overall last season, 4-12 in the Big 12 Conference.
“I’ll be pulling for Michigan State next year and I know they’ll be cheering for me,” Allen said. “Like all college kids, I have areas to grow. This has been a wake up call for me, and one that will ultimately make me stronger as a player and a person.”
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