Jarrett Allen

Jarrett Allen: biography

Jarrett Allen is an American professional basketball player who currently plays as a center for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Childhood and youth

Jarrett Allen was born on April 21, 1998, in San Diego, California, but he grew up in Round Rock, Texas. His parents were both basketball players in their youth, and they passed on their love of the game to Jarrett at a young age.

Allen attended St. Stephen's Episcopal School, where he played on the basketball team and quickly established himself as a rising star. He was named to the TAPPS 4A All-State First Team in his junior and senior years, and he helped lead his team to the state championship in his final year of high school.

Despite his success on the court, Allen was also a talented student, and he was accepted to the University of Texas at Austin to study business. However, he ultimately decided to forego his remaining college eligibility and declare for the NBA draft after his sophomore year, due to his strong performances on the court and the potential for a successful career in professional basketball.

Basketball career

Jarrett Allen's basketball career began in his high school years, where he played on the basketball team at St. Stephen's Episcopal School. He quickly established himself as one of the top players in the state of Texas, earning recognition as a TAPPS 4A All-State First Team member in his junior and senior years. He led his team to the state championship in his final year of high school, averaging 26 points and 14 rebounds per game.

After graduating high school, Allen went on to play college basketball at the University of Texas at Austin. In his freshman year, he led the team in rebounds and was named to the Big 12 All-Newcomer Team. He continued to excel in his sophomore year, averaging 13.4 points and 8.4 rebounds per game and earning a spot on the All-Big 12 Second Team. After his sophomore year, he declared for the NBA draft.

In the 2017 NBA draft, Allen was selected by the Brooklyn Nets as the 22nd overall pick in the first round. He made his NBA debut on October 20, 2017, and quickly established himself as a strong rebounder and a solid rim protector. In his rookie season, he averaged 8.2 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, and he was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.

Over the next few seasons, Allen continued to improve his game and establish himself as a key player for the Nets. He became known for his impressive dunking ability, and he was selected to participate in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 2020. In the 2020-21 season, he averaged 11.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game, setting new career highs in each of those categories.

In January 2021, Allen was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of a multi-team trade. He quickly established himself as a key player for the team, starting in most of the games and playing a major role in the team's success. In his first few months with the Cavaliers, he averaged 13.2 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game, showcasing his versatility and all-around skills on the court.

With his strong performances and potential for continued improvement, Allen is widely regarded as one of the most promising young centers in the NBA. He has shown the ability to contribute to his team in a variety of ways, and he is expected to be a key player for the Cavaliers in the years to come.

Personal life

Jarrett Allen is known for being a hardworking and dedicated athlete, but he also has a personal life that he values. He is a Christian and has spoken about the role his faith plays in his life and his approach to basketball.

Allen has also been active in social justice causes, speaking out on issues such as police brutality and racial inequality. He participated in protests following the killing of George Floyd in 2020, and he has been involved in other community initiatives aimed at promoting social justice and equality.

In his free time, Allen enjoys spending time with friends and family, as well as pursuing his interests outside of basketball. He has expressed an interest in music, and he is also a fan of movies and television shows. Despite his busy schedule as a professional athlete, he makes time for the people and activities that are important to him.

Honors

• TAPPS 4A All-State First Team (2014, 2015)
• TAPPS 4A State Champion (2016)
• Big 12 All-Newcomer Team (2017)
• All-Big 12 Second Team (2018)
• NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2018-19)
• NBA Rising Stars Challenge participant (2019-20)
• NBA Slam Dunk Contest participant (2020)
• NBA Player of the Week (January 11-17, 2021)
• NBA Player of the Month (March 2021)

These honors reflect Allen's skill and success as a basketball player, and they demonstrate his potential for continued growth and development in the sport.