Most college basketball experts have Michigan State has the the 1a. or 1b. team in the nation next year (sharing that distinction with Duke). When it comes to the Big Ten, most experts have them as #1 in the league, with Purdue nipping right at their heels. Well, Duke and Purdue gained some ground on the Spartans today in these imaginary, meaningless standings, as wing player Chris Allen was kicked off the team. What is FAR from imaginary and meaningless is the hit the Spartans depth took today.
By Paul M. Banks
Here’s an official statement from Tom Izzo:
“It’s been no secret that Chris Allen’s been in a tenuous position since the spring. 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. I know he’s going to be a great player. He deserves another chance to play basketball somewhere, but it’s in everyone’s interest that it be somewhere other than Michigan State. Like every player, he has to mature a little bit.”
So apparently Allen wasn’t up to snuff academically, physically, or behaviorally. Or a combination of all three. Looks like Allen will have to move on in his life without any war drills, Izzo style tough love and March glory. Here’s what he had to stay:
“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. It’s unfortunate things didn’t work out, but I’m leaving on good terms with my teammates and coaches.”
Sounds like it was an amicable breakup though; so that’s a good thing. But this is bad news for State, even though many of this saw this coming ever since the season ended. Actually the warning signals were there in March, as Allen missed the Spartans only Big Ten tournament game due to being in the doghouse. So although unfortunate, it is not shocking.
His departure puts pressure on the highly touted Keith Appling, an entering freshman, to perform with the more substantial minutes he’ll now see. And it’s also now “Summerstime” as Durrell Summers will start, and be even more of the premier option on the perimeter. He’ll also have to pick up the slack on the defensive end of the perimeter. Allen will be greatly missed there.
Written by Paul M. Banks, President and CEO of The Sports Bank.net , a Midwest focused webzine. He is also a regular contributor to Chicago Now, the Chicago Tribune’s blog network, Walter Football.com, the Washington Times Communities, Yardbarker Network, and Fox Sports.com
You can follow him on Twitter @thesportsbank and @bigtenguru