Top-50 incoming senior Marcus Allen talks recruitment and game
After a terrific freshman campaign at Miami Norland (FL), totaling over 18.5 points, 6-foot-7 wing Marcus Allen opted to transfer to powerhouse Arizona Compass Prep. Despite the move, I feel like people already knew how much potential Allen had, but I still felt as if he stayed at Norland, he’d be the guy.
Now? He’s made his return. Allen will be returning to Miami Norland for his senior year and is looking for a title. He’s currently playing his AAU basketball with the Florida Rebels and has been huge for them so far.
In the first week of May, Allen went home as one of the EYBL’s top performers from that session and continued to assert himself not only as one of the best defenders in his class, but, also as one heck of an offensive player showcasing not only his ability to score, but also his playmaking ability.
I feel as if the media has been quick to just label Allen as a defensive player, knowing that he can bring a lot more. Allen is one of the most efficient shooters in all of EYBL starting this Spring. Over his first few games, he had shot 18/32 and proved that he was way more than just an elite defender.
He’s been having a really good year, to say the least, and his recruitment is a pure reflection of that as he is being pursued by 10+ high-major programs and leads a busy recruitment.
Allen got with Stockrisers.com to give us an update on that very recruitment.
What schools are heavily involved?
“Mizzou, UConn, Arkansas, Stanford, Michigan, Miami, Villanova, Indiana, Xavier, Marquette, Ohio State, Florida State, Cincinnati, Texas A&M.”
Any new schools?
“No, just those.”
What are your thoughts on Miami, them back being your local school, what’s the pitch?
“Miami is a great school. They just made it to the final four so that was big time for them for sure, but for me, they’re just pitching that hometown hero aspect.”
How about the defending champ UConn Huskies, where do they stand in your recruitment?
“I love UConn, no doubt. The way they recruit and develop their wings are for sure something that I consider and love a lot.”
How about Michigan, Juwan Howard, what’s your relationship with him and your thoughts on UM?
“I really like Coach Howard for sure. Real down-to-earth dude, and easy to talk to. We have a really good relationship and also have one with the rest of the staff there, they’re really cool.”
Visits, got anything set up or anywhere specific you’d like to visit?
“No, as of right now I don’t. I’m just focused on the summer and getting better right now for sure.”
Where do you feel like you want to improve your game?
“My ball-handling and my shot off the dribble. That’s what I have been in the gym working a lot on.”
Where do you see yourself fitting in a college program?
“On the perimeter playing hard defensively, guarding one through four most times the five, and offensively being able to get to the rim and to my mid-range jumpers.”
Lastly, has the pro route ever been in the back of your mind?
“Nah, for sure. If that opportunity would come to me, my mother and I would be open to it and consider it.”