Eric SorensonIn many ways Timmy Allen stands out by not standing out.
The Desert Ridge High School small forward seems to do most everything well on the basketball court. The 6’5” sophomore can stretch a defense from behind the three-point line or attack the paint and finish at the rim.
But his greatest strength may not be what he does for himself but what he does for the Jaguars.
“He’s a team player,” head coach Greg Ream said to Sports360AZ.com. “He’s more about winning than anything. He gets his teammates involved. He’s an ultimate team guy.”
Basketball certainly isn’t foreign to the Allen family. His older brother played for Ream at Desert Ridge and his younger brother is considered one of the top players for his age. Timmy Allen admits his game is far from a finished project but he has elevated his play in leading Ream’s talented squad.
“My left hand has improved very much,” he explained to Sports360AZ.com after a 26-point performance. “It’s opened many moves to the rim. My jump shot has also improved.”
In a win over Scottsdale Desert Mountain last week Allen showed his versatility working inside for offensive rebound put-backs and helping out teammates defensively at the other end of the floor.
It’s these types of qualities which have college coaches already lining up for the rangy 2018 prospect. Allen already holds offers from Nebraska, Grand Canyon, New Mexico State and Portland State. ASU, Arizona and UCLA have also shown interest in the long-armed, smooth player with a sweet shooting stroke.
Allen says his college decision can wait.
“I’m not really worried about college [right now],” he said. “I’m just trying to get as many [offers] as I can and look at it when the time comes.”
His approach to college is sound and savvy, much like his play on the court.
