The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
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10 ■ THE WOLFPACKER TRACKING THE PACK R aleigh native Thomas Allen made a homecoming last spring when he decided to transfer to NC State. Prior to his decision, the 6-1, 180-pound guard averaged 8.7 points per game on 43.6 percent shooting as a sophomore for Nebraska. A perimeter threat, Allen converted 36.1 percent of his three-point attempts during his two seasons in Lincoln. Coming out of high school, Allen was ranked as a four-star talent and the No. 103 overall prospect in the 2017 class by Rivals.com. The hometown product helped lead Garner High to its first 4A basketball state championship in school history as a sophomore in 2015. Following three years in Garner, Allen moved to New Hamp- shire for a year where he won a National Prep title as a senior at Brewster Academy. Other notable alumni of the prep school include former All-ACC forward T.J. Warren and former NC State signee Jalen Lecque. After taking a redshirt last year while sitting out due to NCAA transfer rules, Allen will have two seasons of eligibility remaining when the Pack takes the court again. Allen recently took time for an interview with The Wolfpacker to discuss his transition last year and what he brings to NC State: You grew up in Raleigh and spent three years at Garner High School. Did you grow up an NC State fan? "When it came to local teams, it was always NC State for me. I grew up a Kentucky fan at first, but once T.J. Warren started play- ing I became an NC State fan." How does it feel to be back home and how much did that weigh into your decision to transfer to NC State? "It was a big factor because my mom, dad and sister are all here. Most of my family lives around here." What do you consider your best strength on the court? "I can shoot the ball well, but I feel that my biggest strength is my on-court mentality." What made you pick NC State when you decided to transfer? "I watched film on NC State before I even signed. I like what [head coach Kevin] Keatts does with his guards. He lets his guards go and I liked the sets he ran for Markell Johnson. "With NC State being in the ACC, I couldn't go wrong with the decision I made. Everything was right in front of me." What's the biggest difference between playing in the ACC as opposed to playing in the Big Ten? "The Big Ten is not as fast as the ACC. It's more of a slowed- down, half-court game in the Big Ten." What are you studying and what are your plans after bas- ketball? "My major is sociology. I want to find something to help kids from the part of Raleigh I grew up in. I want to help them find something in life that they care about." — Justin H. Williams GETTING TO KNOW: Allen, who averaged 8.7 points per game for Nebraska as a sophomore, trans- ferred to NC State last spring and will have two years of eligibility after sit- ting out last season. PHOTO BY KEN MARTIN THOMAS ALLEN ■ MEN'S BASKETBALL Last concert you went to? "Meek Mill and Future with the guys on the team." Favorite show to watch on Netflix? "'Outer Banks.'" Favorite video game? "I actually don't play video games." Team LeBron or Team Jordan? "They're going to kill me for this one, but Team LeBron." Player you most look up to in the NBA? "[Portland Trailblazers shooting guard] C.J. McCollum." Second favorite sport to watch behind basketball? "Football, definitely." Favorite team in the NFL? "Washington Redskins." Favorite class so far at NC State? "Food Science." What's your favorite restaurant around campus? "I just started going, but Sushi Nine has quickly become my favorite." What was your favorite game from last season? "A lot would say Duke, but the road win at Virginia was my personal favorite. We stayed in the right mindset when they came back, and we overcame adversity." 10 Questions With Thomas Allen