MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia small forward Teddy Allen plans to transfer after a freshman season in which he frequently provided quality bench scoring but also spent time in the coaches’ doghouse.
The 6-foot-5 product from Omaha, Neb., announced his decision via Twitter on Thursday:
“After much deliberation and talks with my family I have decided it is in my best interest to transfer,” Allen posted, adding that his season at WVU provided “memories I’ll always cherish.”
Appearing in 35 games, all as a reserve, Allen averaged 7.0 points and 2.7 rebounds in 12 minutes per game.
He scored a season-high 24 points during a December blowout against Coppin State, but the nickname “Teddy Buckets” was cemented by his 20-point performance on Jan. 6 that helped West Virginia beat then-No. 7 Oklahoma 89-76.
A week later, Allen played only five first-half minutes at Texas Tech and subsequently was benched for the next two games against Kansas and Texas. Sources said Allen was disciplined for being disrespectful to an assistant, and head coach Bob Huggins said at the time, “Teddy needs to be quiet and listen.”
Allen made a difference in three NCAA tournament games by shooting 11-for-20 from the floor and averaging 11.3 points and leading the Mountaineers with 12 made free throws.
Finishing the season only 3-of-25 from 3-point range, Allen scored most of his baskets on mid-range jumpers and crafty moves in the paint around taller defenders. At times he was a defensive liability as “Press Virginia” sought to trap and harass on the perimeter.
Allen signed with West Virginia last year over offers from Iowa State, Cincinnati, Virginia Tech and DePaul.
Allen joins sophomore Maciej Bender and junior D’Angelo Hunter as WVU’s outgoing transfers, in addition to the departures of senior guards Jevon Carter and Daxter Miles.
The Mountaineers have five incoming signees and are seeking to add a sixth as they host four-star small forward Emmitt Matthews, a UConn decommit.