Adam Allen is catching everyone off guard.
Allen, who may be the most unheralded of the Gators freshmen recruits, has turned heads early on with his aggressive play and sharp shooting.
BYeah, I was surprised,C said teammate Chandler Parsons of Allen?s play so far this season. BHe?ll get on the floor, take a charge. He?ll do anything. He?s one of those guys you hate to play against but love playing with.C
Allen has scored in double figures in three of the Gators? four games and added 15 off the bench in the win against Tennessee Tech. UF will hope for much of the same from Allen tonight, when UF hosts North Carolina Central at 7.
During UF?s win against North Dakota State, some of the Rowdy Reptiles proudly held a sign reading BI love Adam Allen.C
Parsons attributes the early support to Allen?s small-town demeanor and hard-nose play.
BAt first I thought, 'Hey, who?s this 6-foot-7 white kid trying to steal my thunder in the state of Florida??C Parsons said. BBut getting to know him, he?s the nicest kid. He?s a little country, but that?s just Adam.C
Allen, who is also a pitcher on UF?s baseball team, said he and Parsons have a good natured challenge in the works.
Parsons bet Allen that he can hit his fastball, which is rumored to be in the low 90s, but Allen just shrugs off the idea.
BI don?t know if he?s joking or if he?s serious,C Allen said, nodding his head when asked if he would pitch inside.
During UF?s four games, Allen has worn a football pad on his left shoulder to protect a sprain he suffered in practice. Now fully healed, Allen said he has no intention of taking off the pad.
BI?m going to leave it on until I stop making shots,C he said.
In what has become a typical response from Allen, he deflected any notion of newfound celebrity.
BI didn?t know what to expect.C Allen said. BI just knew I was going to come in here and play hard, and it?s worked out well for me so far.C
Allen?s background of working on the farm has helped him develop a strong work ethic. When compared to the hard days of lifting and gathering hay, Allen said playing basketball seems almost easy.
BNot at all,C Allen said of missing his old lifestyle. BI?m in heaven here.C
Allen and the Gators are coming off a dominating 93-65 win against Tennessee Tech and should have little problem continuing that trend.
North Carolina Central will play only its third game as a Division-I program, and it has had a rough time so far.
The Eagles were rudely introduced to college basketball?s top division with a 121-56 trashing at the hands of Duke, followed by a 73-48 loss to Rutgers.
The Eagles do not have a single player taller than 6 foot 9 on their roster.
Although the matchup appears to be one-sided, Donovan said the young Gators won?t look past anybody.
BAnyone that plays against us has a chance to beat us, and we have a chance to beat them,C Donovan said. BThere?s no gimmes for us. The last thing we can do is think we?re playing great and get complacent.C
