Friday, April 1, 2011
Posted: 10:37 p.m.
By Ryan Feldman
For CSNPhilly.com
HOUSTONLavoy Allen passed his first test in his quest to make the NBA.
The 6-foot-9 Temple senior finished with 11 points and eight rebounds in the Reeses NABC College All-Star Game on Friday in Houston as part of the Final Four festivities.
Allen played on the East All-Stars alongside the likes of Kansas States Jacob Pullen, Georgetowns Austin Freeman, Marquettes Jimmy Butler, and Pittsburghs Gary McGhee and Brad Wanamaker. Among the West All-Stars were Michigan States Kalin Lucas, Texass Gary Johnson, College of Charlestons Andrew Goudelock and Morehead States Kenneth Faried.
The West All-Stars won the game, 113-108. Allen shot 5-for-10 from the field and went 1-for-2 on three-point attempts in 20 minutes. He did not attempt a free throw. Allen also had a steal and committed two turnovers.
I think I did alright, Allen said of his 11-point, eight-rebound performance in the All-Star Game. I ran out of gas at the end. But at the beginning, it was going well. I scored a couple baskets.
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Allen showed his versatility as a big man, something NBA teams like to see. He rebounded well, played defense and even knocked down a three-pointer. He didnt overwhelm, but thats not what Allen does. Hes a fundamental, versatile forward who does a little of everything.
The All-Star Game was the first step in a grueling process in which Allen will try to fulfill his goal of making the NBA. The next step is the Portsmouth Invitational, an NBA draft camp for seniors, which will take place April 6-9 in Portsmouth, Va.
Allens teammates at the Portsmouth Invitationalthere are eight teams (64 total players) that will each play three games in four dayswill include Villanovas Corey Stokes, Pittsburghs Gilbert Brown, Mississippi States Ravern Johnson, San Diego States Malcolm Thomas, Daytons Chris Wright, St. Johns Dwight Hardy and Cal-Daviss Mark Payne.
Portsmouth will be an opportunity for Allen to separate himself from other draft prospects in front of dozens of NBA scouts. After that, he will have to audition at NBA team workouts.
The NBA draft will take place on June 23.
I definitely want to make the NBA, Allen said. I really dont want to go overseas, so thats my motivation. If I have to, I will, but Im definitely going to try my best and put everything into it.
NBA scouts know Allen can reboundafter all, he is the all-time leading rebounder in Temple historybut the question is whether or not he can compete with the stronger, more physical big men in the NBA. Allen said himself that adding more muscle is one thing he needs to work on if he wants to make it to the next level.
I definitely have to get in better shape so I can get up and down the floor, Allen said. Im working on my jump shot. My defense is pretty solid. I got to get a little stronger, put some more weight on, so I can box out, get rebounds, things like that.
Allen said he hasnt chosen an agent yet but that he will be sitting down with some guys in the next few weeks to decide who will represent him. But Allen is independent; he wants to experience the draft process himself and make his own decisions. He said hes not looking to many people for guidancemaybe just a few coachesbut wants to figure things out for himself.
For the last four years, Allens goal has been to make the NBA. But at the same time, he knows that basketball isnt everything. Hes confident in his athletic abilities, but he also plans on finishing up his degree at Temple.
When I first stepped foot on Temples campus, I decided Im going to try and give it my all, Allen said. If it doesnt work out, I've got a little bit of school left to get my degree, something to fall back on.
Allen is no longer considered a star player, like he has been throughout high school and college. Now, hes trying to prove himself to NBA teams. The next few months will determine whether or not Allen reaches his dream.
Just like any other job, the NBA draft process is one interview at a time. He passed the first interview. His second interview will be next week in Portsmouth.
E-mail Ryan Feldman at rfeldman@thehoopsreport.com
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