Wildcats overwhelmed Morehead State in their opening game in the 2020-21 season
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UK press athletics
After almost 24 months of not hitting the floor in competitive action, Pendleton County native found himself checking into the Kentucky-Morehead State game at Rupp Arena.
It was just a moments later that he spotted up on the right hand side of the floor and buried a three-pointer.
"That is what Allen has to do when he is on the floor. Make open shots," said SEC Network Jimmy Dykes who was calling the game. Allen had missed his first three pointer in the game.
Allen played four minutes in the first half with four points hitting one of two free throws. He was also credited with an offensive rebound which was a strength in his high school game and a personal foul.
He checked in with 1:58 left in the game and Kentucky having a 81-44 lead. He had a good look at a three-pointer that rimmed out and finished with four points.
"Dontaie did fine. He just behind some other players. He's going to get his chances," said Coach John Calipari said about Allen's play.
Kentucky's head coach went further to talk about some other players but came back to Allen by pointing out that players will get chances.
"Will you be ready for your chance? You're going to get a chance. We got him some shots and they know if you leave him open, he's making it," added Coach Cal.
Both of his Pendleton County high school coaches were thrilled for Allen.
Ed Cravens who moved him up to freshmen basketball as a 7th grader said, "It was great to see him on the floor at his dream school."
Keaton Belcher who was Allen's coach throughout high school years and presently the head coach at Ryle High School added, "He's the pride of Pendleton County. All 15,000 residents were watching him score his first points in a Kentucky uniform. We are happy for him!"
UK won 81-45 with Brandon Boston leading the way with 15 points as four Wildcats had double digits with two more scoring nine points. Devin Askew and Terrence Clarke both had 12 points with Davion Mintz scoring 10.
"We looked like an organized basketball team. Ten guys who had never played for me. I have two or three guys who have to create new habits. If I can get that I like this group," said Coach John Calipari.
As a team, Kentucky went 33-59 from the field for 55.9 percent and 6-16 from behind the arc for 37.5 percent. Allen went 1-3 for 33 percent.
They outrebounded the smaller Eagles of Morehead State 37-25 including grabbing 11 offensive rebounds. Allen had one offensive board.
The Wildcats take on a tough Richmond Spiders team on Sunday, November 28 at 1 p.m. It will be a good early season test for the young Wildcats that had no players with collegiate experience playing against Morehead.