After last season, coach Amanda Butler and the Florida women’s basketball team found themselves in a precarious position. The Gators entered the offseason with just one returning guard and had to recruit the position heavily.
In four newcomers, they found success: Lanita Bartley has started every game but one; freshman Jaterra Bonds is second on the team in scoring average; and freshmen Kayla Lewis and Brittany Shine have provided quality minutes and scoring off the bench.
But the guard with perhaps the most potential had been hiding — until recently.
Against Georgia on Sunday, junior Deana Allen paced the Gators with a team-high 14 points and also snared 13 boards for her first career double-double. Allen, who averaged 19.2 points per game last season at Pensacola Junior College, suffered a slow start to the season due to nagging injuries and issues acclimating to her role on the team.
“I felt like I was always ready to play in the [Southeastern Conference] once I got here,” Allen said. “But in the beginning of the season, I felt like I wasn’t in my groove as an individual, and I didn’t really know how to distribute my talent.
“When I do get that chance out on the court, I give it my all,” she continued. “I just had to find my groove. And now that I did, I’m going to show my true self from here on out.”
As the season has progressed, Allen’s health improved and she became more comfortable in her role. Her confidence has grown, and she is finally starting to maximize her potential.
“For the first time, I think she’s completely healthy,” captain Jordan Jones said. “She’s in shape, and she’s really putting in the time and work that it takes to be successful in SEC. I commend her for it. She’s really stepped up.”
Allen dropped 13 points against Alabama State on Dec. 20, and her minutes have remained steady ever since. She scored in double-digits in back-to-back games against FSU and Arkansas. Her 12 points in the 64-53 win over the then-No. 22 Razorbacks were a team-high and instrumental to the upset victory.
Despite her recent success, Allen stays grounded. Citing late giveaways, Allen said she takes the blame for the collapse at Georgia. And that display of maturity is earning points with her coaches.
“I really like where she’s at mentally,” Butler said. “She’s expecting more of herself than she was in November or December, and that’s really crucial right now. I think you want your great players, and Deana is certainly one that I count in the description of one of our great players, to feel accountable in a loss.”
When asked about her slow start and recent emergence, Allen chuckled and answered simply.
“I had to apologize to the team a couple days ago for holding out so long.”
