Each and every time Phenom Hoop Report gets to report or sees a commitment from a player we have seen over the years, it is always a fantastic day. It is great to see players achieve their goal to play at the next level and it is such a great accomplishment for that player.
Here is the latest commitment.
Player: Anthony Allen
Class: 2020
Committed to: Lees-McRae
What the Player Said:
Q: What made Lees-McRae the place for you in the end? What all went into your decision?
Allen: “First off, the coaches showed a lot of interest in me and how much they truly believed in me. They came to game after game and really made me feel like they wanted me as a person and player. The relationship was built and is still growing. As I watched their program style of play, I felt I was best suited for their program. They like to get up and down and play fast and I love that type of play. Me and my dad talked a lot about going somewhere that I was wanted and not just focused on Division I ball but the opportunity to play at the next level.”
Q: How did you inform the staff and what did they have to say when you told them?
Allen: “I went to watch another game last night (Saturday) and at dinner, I told them and they were just as excited as I was.”
Q: What are they hoping you can bring to the program?
Allen: “Grit, shooting ability, and just overall scoring ability.”
Q: What are you going to be focusing on and working on now with the decision behind you?
Allen: “Just growth, getting my body ready for the college level. I know I have more conditioning to do like the speed of the game will change and be much faster, more physical, so it is just back to work for me and preparing so I can go strong and be ready.”
What Was Said by Phenom Hoops:
“Allen has always been a very well-rounded player, but now has a complete game and is starting to show flashes of two-way brilliance. Offensively, he’s a strong ball-handler, passer, and three-level scorer with the ability to thrive with or without the ball in his hands. Allen offers terrific scoring balance from all levels, yet has an absolute flamethrower from beyond the arc. He’s smart, unselfish, and knows how to play the right way. On the other end, Allen is equally as important, given the way he consistently defends the point of attack. He’s an aggressive, physical defender with quick hands and feet, which allows him to accumulate steals at an impressive rate. Allen has that patented Independence toughness and it is glaringly obvious on both ends of the floor.” – Jeff Bendel in May of 2019
“Allen’s ability to get out and run for the Patriots really gets this team going but he also plays well in the half-court. His handles and ability to create is what captures the eye, as he gets defenders guessing and helps him get to the rim or create for others.” – Patrick O’Brien in 2020
“The quick on quick scoring combo guard has a super quick first step, is excellent of the catch and has a quick release. Allen is an energy guy and can also be superb on-ball defender.” – Rick Lewis from game report in Dec. 2019