Pepper hasn't transferred to Temple - yet

Those close to the situation think that everyone should push the pause button on Dalton Pepper's expected transfer.

A number of publications have reported that the sophomore swingman plans to leave West Virginia for Temple. Pepper reportedly sent text messages Monday night to CSNPhilly.com and the Bucks County Courier Times confirming that he will transfer to be close to his father, Jack, who is ill.

West Virginia granted Pepper his release on Tuesday.

But a Temple official said Tuesday that the Owls have not received transfer papers for the 6-foot-5, 230-pound swingman. Frank Sciolla, who coached Pepper at Pennsbury High, acknowledged via a text message that something could happen. It just hasn't happened yet.

"Once Dalton officially asks for and RECEIVES his release from WVU, I will call you and comment," Sciolla wrote. "Until then, it is just Internet chatter."

Pepper did not immediately return phone calls and text messages from The Inquirer.

His decision to transfer wouldn't come as a surprise. There have been rumors about his desire to transfer since the end of his freshman season.

This past season, he averaged just 3.9 points and 12.4 minutes of action. Pepper, however, finished with 10 points against Clemson in an NCAA tournament game. As a freshman, he averaged 3.1 points in 7.6 minutes a game.

Pepper reportedly was performing well in the Mountaineers' offseason workouts and was expected to get considerable playing time next season at West Virginia.

According to NCAA rules, Pepper would have to sit out next season before having two seasons of eligibility if his expected transfer were to go through. He would, however, be allowed to practice with the Owls next season.

When eligible to play in 2012-13, Pepper likely would assume a starting position since four starters - swingman Scootie Randall, center Micheal Eric, and guards Juan Fernandez and Ramone Moore - will be seniors next season.

Joining the Owls also would enable him to play alongside guard Khalif Wyatt (Norristown) and forward Rahlir Jefferson (Chester), who, like Pepper, were 2009 first-team all-Southeastern Pennsylvania High School selections by The Inquirer and will be seniors that season.

Back then, Pepper was the Associated Press Pennsylvania Class AAAA boys' basketball player of the year after averaging 24.4 points during his senior campaign.

A four-year starter for the Falcons, he finished his high school career with 2,207 points and nearly 1,000 rebounds while leading Pennsbury to a 104-20 record.