DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Former Iowa State forward Wesley Johnson said he decided to transfer several months ago, citing his relationship with coach Greg McDermott as a major reason why he’s leaving the program.

Johnson told McDermott over the weekend that he will transfer, a move that stunned the coach. Johnson says he tried to clear the air with McDermott during the middle of last season, but that things weren’t the same after that.

“It was a hard decision to make,” Johnson said about transferring. “Throughout the season I was unhappy.”

McDermott declined to respond to Johnson’s comments. He has scheduled a press conference for Wednesday.

Johnson tied for the team lead with 12.4 points a game last season, while playing with a stress fracture in his foot. Johnson says Iowa State’s handling of his foot injury did not factor into his decision.

Johnson suffered what was thought to be a bone bruise in his left ankle during preseason practice. He only missed five games last season, but his mobility and athleticism were severely limited.

Johnson had numerous MRIs and CAT scans of the injured area, but the bleeding inside Johnson’s foot made X-rays difficult to read. Doctors discovered the stress fracture in Johnson’s foot during an MRI in late April after the swelling had subsided. He had surgery five days later.

“I understand totally why they couldn’t find it,” Johnson said of the stress fracture.

Johnson said he has not talked to any other schools.

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Information from: The Des Moines Register, http://www.desmoinesregister.com