Arriving from Spurgeon College, a religious undergraduate university in Kansas City, United States, Allen has more than filled the hole left on the hardwood after Shepparton’s previous US import Byron Gladden departed.
Allen is the first Spurgeon athlete to earn a professional basketball contract, and his hunger to do his alumni proud is evident.
In seven games of action, Allen has established himself as a weapon on both ends of the floor.
Despite having to adapt to a new team with new game plans, Allen has seamlessly fit in like he was raised at the Swamp.
Although he is already averaging 16.1 points per game, marking him a top-20 scorer in the league and top three in the team, Shepparton coach Sam Gebauer argues Allen’s work defensively might not just be the Gators’ best, but the entire division’s.
“I don’t think it’s too bold to say it - he’s the best defender in our division,” Gebauer said.
A look at the box scores week by week suggest the Gators clipboard holder isn’t out of line.
Allen averages the third-most rebounds per game (10.7), the third-most steals per game (2.0) and leads division one men’s Big V for blocks per game (2.1) - the next best blocker averages nearly one full block less per match.
If anyone’s got a case for defensive player of the year, it’s Allen.
Moreover, Gebauer loves that Allen isn’t flashy or worried about a moment that’ll look good for the camera.
Allen’s pure grit and determination to win has been the missing piece that the Gators needed to win.
In Shepparton’s first seven games, the Gators were a winless 0-7.
Introduce the six-foot-four American guard, and the next seven has included three wins, including a victory in his first outing in a Gators uniform.
“He fits our culture and style really well,” Gebauer said.
“It’s what we lacked a little bit before he came in, we were well-rounded on offence but lacked that tenacity on defence.
“Above all else, he does the one-percenters as well as he possibly can.
“He does the things that aren’t as attractive and aren’t as pretty, but it’s those little things that create momentum for the team and help us win games of basketball.”
While individual accolades are undoubtedly a chance for Allen, a team achievement beckons this Saturday.
A chance to exit the relegation zone presents itself to Shepparton should it defeat Coburg - and with Allen in the side, belief is bubbling away internally that the Gators can get the job done.
10°C