West Virginia's Pepper officially transfers to Temple

After months of speculation followed by waiting, Dalton Pepper is the latest member of the Temple basketball team.

The 6-foot-5, 230-pound swingman, who transferred from West Virginia, signed scholarship papers to play at Temple on Wednesday.

"Dalton is a fine young man from a wonderful family," Temple coach Fran Dunphy said. "He is a tremendous addition to our basketball program."

According to NCAA rules, Pepper will have to sit out next season before having two seasons of eligibility with the Owls. The Pennsbury High product will, however, be allowed to practice with Temple next season.

Pepper averaged just 3.9 points and 12.4 minutes last season. However, he scored 10 points against Clemson in the NCAA tournament. Pepper was expected to receive considerable playing time next season at West Virginia.

But his decision to leave doesn't come as a surprise. There had been rumors about his desire to transfer since the end of his freshman season. Then, last month, Pepper informed reporters that he was transferring to Temple to be to be closer to his father, Jack, who is ill.