February 12, 2010
Allen is Available
There’s a lot of wiggle room between “gone but not forgotten” and “out of sight, out of mind.” Greg Allen, the former Eureka High star, has landed in the latter camp, enjoying a fine season in the Texas junior college ranks and also is available due to being a full D-1 qualifier.
Allen has options
In 24 games so far this season playing for Coach Johnny Estelle and the longtime successful Navarro College program, Allen is averaging 12.3 points per game. Retaining the same sharp shooting eye he displayed in high school, he is shooting 44% overall, 40% from three-point range (129 of his 209 shot attempts have been treys) and 83% from the foul line. One highlight was nailing six treys in one game.
Here’s Estelle on his newcomer: "Greg is an above average shooter who is a savvy player. He has done a solid job this year while adjusting to playing college ball."
How has Allen done in making the step up? "It’s been hard at times being away from my family," Allen explained. "It is a lot different at this level. Some of the teams we play have D-1 transfers and the speed of the game is a lot faster but I’ve been playing well.
Allen added, "Coming to a winning program and how Coach Estelle teaches the game has been really helpful."
Originally signed by Creighton, Allen decided he didn’t want to redshirt in Omaha, hence the move to Texas.
Navarro College is located in Corsicana,Texas and is a member of the Region XIV Conference along with such other powers as San Jacinto College, Paris Junior College, Lee College and others. The Bulldogs currently sport a 19-5 overall record, 9-4 in league. Former Navarro star DeAndre Brown was named the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Texas Junior College Player of the Year last season and is currently a starter for Louisiana Tech of the Western Athletic Conference, averaging 11 points per game while leading his team in assists.
Allen may or may not jump to D-1 next season, depending on the offers that come his way. But being a qualifier on top of his basketball talents plus his strong 3.5 grade point average last semester will certainly make any leap a smooth one. Currently, USC, UNLV, Washington State and Nebraska are in contact with Allen.