Shooting guard to sit out this season, finish his eligibility in '11-12
DENNY SCHWARZE •
DBSCHWARZE@LSJ.COM • AUGUST 21, 2010
It didn't take long for Chris Allen to find another university at which to play basketball.
After a rocky stretch that began before last season's Final Four run and ended with him being dismissed from the MSU men's team on Aug. 3, Allen has decided to enroll at Iowa State.
"It was just a good feel. When he visited he felt comfortable instantly with the coaching staff and everything," said Allen's mother, Janice. "From the other schools we visited, that was the No. 1 pick."
Allen will sit out a year athletically before being allowed to participate in the 2011-12 season.
"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. "When you look at the other players that are joining the team, it's exciting to be part of the new program that Coach Hoiberg is building in the strong Big 12 Conference."
Allen's mother said her son - a 6-foot-3 shooting guard from Lawrenceville, Ga. - had interest from more than 20 schools, including strong interest from UTEP and St. Johns.
Allen was part of two consecutive Final Four teams as a Spartan. He started in 27 games during the 2009-10 season, scoring 8.2 points and playing an average of more than 25 minutes per game.
Allen was employed by MSU coach Tom Izzo as a defensive stopper and led the team in 3-point field goal percentage.
"My teammates and I achieved a lot together, and I'll take that experience with me to help my new team," 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," Allen said in the statement.
Iowa State finished 15-17 overall and 4-12 in the Big 12 last season and likely will benefit from having a veteran guard in their lineup in 2011.
"The Iowa State program and Fred Hoiberg are getting a great addition to their team," 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. ... Iowa State is a great fit for Chris, and we wish him nothing but the best."
Even after leaving, Allen said he will be paying close attention to the Spartans, who will return one of the country's best rosters in hope of making a third straight Final Four in Houston.
"I'll be pulling for Michigan State next year, and I know they'll be cheering for me," Allen said.
