Allen Taps Hoyas
n a major recruiting coup for a program which continues to build up their backcourt, Georgetown received a commitment from Top-50 national recruit Marvel Allen on Saturday.The Class of 2023 Allen, who de-committed from LSU following the firing of Will Wade, had narrowed his choices down to Georgetown, Michigan, Kansas, Arizona State, Texas A & M, and LSU.
Ultimately, it was his relationship with Georgetown's coaching staff what enabled Allen to pull the trigger.
"After exploring all options throughout my recruitment process, I've realized how important relationships are and trust I’ve decided to commit to Georgetown University because of my relationships with coach (Patrick) Ewing and (Kevin) Nickleberry and them being there for me when things got tough," Allen said via his Instagram account on Saturday. "I appreciate all the coaches who’ve took the time out too recruit me through the process."
Now at national power Montverde Academy in Central Florida under head coach Kevin Boyle, Allen is a high end downhill scorer.
Georgetown continues to reap the rewards of hiring Kevin Nickelberry. The former LSU assistant initially offered Allen when the West Palm Beach, Fla. native was at Calvary Christian HS in South Florida. The 6-foot-4 combination guard de-committed from LSU in the spring, albeit he was still considering the program as they re-offered him after hiring Matt McMahon.
While Nickelberry was an attractive hire because of his connections to the DC area (he was previously the head coach at Howard), he's helped create a detour for some of the guys who either left LSU or de-committed. He previously signed LSU transfer Brandon Murray, a Baltimore native.
Allen is the second Top-50 recruit to commit to Georgetown since Ewing was hired in 2017, taking over the program at which he starred as a legendary player. Allen spoke of Ewing's presence and background as a guy who played at the highest level during his illustrious heyday with the 1990s New York Knicks.