Ex-Michigan State guard Chris Allen is going to transfer to Iowa State. The Cyclones were one of the schools Allen visited in recent weeks and made his final list along with UTEP. Allen garnered interest from a number of schools, including Notre Dame, UConn, Memphis and South Florida.
Allen was kicked off Michigan State's basketball team earlier in the month, but he left the program on good terms with Tom Izzo, who actually helped him find a new school.
"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 had this to say about his decision to play for Iowa State:
"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."
Because of transfer rules, Allen will not be eligible to play for Iowa State until the 2011-12 season.