Sunday, June 19, 2011
Posted: 2:34 p.m.
By Matt Haughton
CSNPhilly.com
Prospects will do whatever it takes to impress NBA teams leading up to the draft. Even if that means damaging the organizations property to get noticed.
I went up for a dunk. The next time I looked the rim was on the floor, said Paris Horne of St. Johns after breaking a rim with a thunderous slam during the Sixers latest pre-draft workout at PCOM on Sunday.
While Horne used theatrics, former Temple standout Lavoy Allen maintained his typical steady self as he grinds through the workout process in hopes of finding an NBA home in Thursdays draft.
Its a very long process. Sometimes you have back-to-back workouts. This is my fourth one in a row, said Allen, who joined Horne and Kentucky teammates Josh Harrellson and DeAndre Liggins on Sunday. You got to get a lot of rest and stay hydrated.
The Sixers have seen plenty of Allen during his stay at Temple where he was played alongside T.J. DiLeo, son of former head coach and current senior vice presidentassistant general manager Tony DiLeo.
NBA
This was Allens second showing for the team at PCOM, but even the Pennsbury High School product doesnt know if it was because of growing interest or simply necessity.
Im not really sure because this was kind of a last-minute thing, he said. "It wasnt really expected. Im not sure if someone dropped out and they needed a replacement. I live in the area and they knew I was coming back home.
Nevertheless, Allen was eager to put his skills on display once again for the hometown club just like he did during the past four seasons with the Owls.
The Morrisville, Pa. native garnered plenty of accomplishments during his time on North Broad Street. He helped Temple reach the NCAA Tournament in each of his four years, was the first player at the school since Ollie Johnson in 1970-71 to average a double-double for an entire season, passed John Baum to become the universitys all-time leading rebounder and was named Big Five Player of the Year last season.
Allen tested the draft waters following his junior year, only to return to school after hearing he needed to work on his game. Now, with an improved arsenal, the 6-foot-9 forward likes the feedback hes received from around the league.
Ive heard Ive shot the ball pretty well, Ive always competed, Allen said. Some teams told me I have the skill to be an NBA player. Im not really sure if thats with their program or not, but they think I can play in the NBA one day.
Still, Allen likely finds himself in that gray area of potentially being a second-round pick or undrafted free agent. The Sixers hold the 50th overall pick to go along with No. 16 in the first round. They could certainly find value on the low post with Allen, but for every team pleased with his repertoire of offensive moves to go along with solid length and mobility there are those that will point to a lack of assertiveness as cause for caution.
Thats where the extra workouts come into play. Allen could have easily declined the Sixers after so many meetings with teams, including a three-day stretch out west leading up to Sunday with the Clippers, Warriors and Lakers. But he knows every opportunity to meet with a franchise is another impression and possible path to his lifelong dream.
Its very unpredictable, the draft. Im just hoping to get drafted, Allen expressed. I tried my best, competed in every workout and I think I did a good job.
E-mail Matt Haughton at mhaughton@comcastsportsnet.com
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