May 22, 2009
Allen will be a Bluejay
He could have been a Vandal, maybe a Rainbow Warrior, even a Trojan if things had worked out differently. But, in the end, Eureka High’s Greg Allen will be playing his college ball in the Missouri Valley Conference. The 6-foot-2 guard signed a letter of intent at a press conference on Wednesday. He will be attending school and playing basketball for Creighton University, a longtime power in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Allen’s wait paid off
"I decided it was the best place for me," Allen offered. "I’ll have the opportunity to play early and we will also have the chance to make it to the NCAA tournament."
He was already aware of Creighton basketball and then "I saw them play against Kentucky in this season’s NIT." The Bluejays won 27 times (against eight losses) in 2008-2009 although inexplicably weren’t invited to the Big Dance. Coach Dana Altman has been running the Creighton program quite successfully for 15 years. Owner of a 65.9% winning percentage during his tenure at CU, he knows talent and understands how to develop it.
What also attracted Allen to Omaha was how basketball is worshiped there. "The fan support is incredible," he said.
In 2008-2009, Creighton attracted an average of 15,930 fans a game -- ranking 12th nationally. As Allen explained, "I’m used to 800 or 900 fans." His recruiting visit included a tour of the Qwest Center which was built in 2003 and has a Hilton hotel attached to it. "The arena was wonderful," Allen added.
Allen enjoyed a storied high school career
As for the situation Allen is entering, Creighton’s Booker Woodfox was named the conference player of the year. However, the 6-foot-1 guard is graduating after leading his team in scoring. So is fellow backcourter Josh Dotzler who led the squad in assists. 6-foot-3 junior-to-be P’Allen Stinnett returns as does senior Cavel Witter who scored 7.7 points per game. CU will also have back 6-foot-5 reserve guard Kaleb Korver who nailed 39 three-pointers.
What plans does the Creighton coaching staff have for Allen? "I’ll initially be a combo guard as they will be rotating me between the one and the two." Then the expectation is he will settle in at the point.
Regarding other newcomers, 6-foot-1 Andrew Bock out of southern California will be joining Allen as a fellow frosh. He has the reputation as an excellent long distance shooter and solid point but needs to add strength at 165 pounds.
Allen had previously verbaled to Idaho but decided last November to keep his recruiting options open. He did take a visit to Hawaii plus USC was interested before Lamont Jones, a native New Yorker at Oak Hill Academy in Virginia, committed to Tim Floyd. Jones is ranked #11 on the Rivals national list of points.
What advice would Allen impart on those entering the recruiting process? "Go to a place where you are really wanted and not just to a name school."
He will head to Omaha in early July.