Allen, Dodson won't return to top NCAA programs
Coming off back-to-back years of Final Four appearances, Michigan State will be looking to grab NCAA basketballs biggest prize in 2011 but they’ll have to do it without guard Chris Allen.
The team announced on Tuesday that Allen, a 6"3' senior from Georgia, had failed to meet the standards set by head coach Tom Izzo and as a result would not be rejoining the Spartans for the 2010-11 season.
"It’s been no secret that Chris Allen’s been in a tenuous position since spring,” said Izzo, who made it clear that it was his decision to let Allen go. “There were multiple obligations that Chris had to meet in order to return for his senior season. While he did make progress through the summer, he has failed to meet all the obligations and will not be a part of our program this fall.”
Though Izzo did not specify the exact cause for Allen’s departure he did note that academics and commitment to the team played a key factor in his decision.
"I know he’s going to be a great player. He deserves another chance to play basketball somewhere, but it’s in everyone’s best interest that it be somewhere other than Michigan State. Like every player, he has to mature a little bit. I think a year away from the game will be beneficial for his development as a person and a player.”
NCAA rules require that if a player transfers from one team to another that they must sit out of full season before being eligible to play.
Allen’s questionable attitude had been well documented since his suspension from the Big Ten tournament last year for “not being a good team mate.” He returned for the NCAA tournament, but a foot injury kept him in a limited role for the Spartans, who were knocked out by Butler in the semifinals.
Allen, who finished the season averaging eight points a game and led the team with 53 3-pointers and 39.8 percent accuracy said he has no hard feelings towards the Michigan program.
“It is unfortunate things didn’t work out, but I’m leaving on good terms with my team mates and coaches,” said Allen in a statement released to the press. “Coach was straightforward with me about what I needed to do to remain a part of the team. Unfortunately, I didn’t meet all the obligations. I have enjoyed my time at Michigan State and I appreciate all the support from my fans, and everyone associated with the program.”
Allen’s departure means some tough decisions for the Michigan team looking to make their third Final Four appearance in as many years. Incoming freshman Keith Appling, who has been widely heralded as one of the best shot-guard recruits available, will probably take Allen’s spot on the roster. But while his ability to score may rival Allen’s, the Michigan team’s primary concern will be the rookie’s ability to defend the perimeter, something Allen had refined during his tenure with the university and something Michigan will be looking for with the departure of senior Raymar Morgan also weakening the Spartans back-court.
Dodson won’t return to Kentucky
Kentucky will be another team relying on youth this season after coach John Calipari announced that small forward Darnell Dodson would not be returning to the Wildcats.
Calipari gave no indication of what off-court issues brought him to make the decision but noted Dodson would be invited back should he meet Kentucky’s standards.
“I do want to let you all know that junior Darnell Dodson will not be playing for UK this season. If Darnell, who is academically eligible, decides to return, he could practice with the team if he meets our standards,” said Calipari at a press conference this week.
Dodson, one of the few returning players who received significant playing time last season, averaged six points a game and led the team in 3-pointers with 50.
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