Ray Allen is a student of the game of ball. Since he first picked up a basketball at the age of ten. He has worked hard, not only to develop his skills, but to learn a respect for the game. That's why you won't hear any trash talking from Ray or see him show an opposing player disrespect. To Ray, it's simple. Just play the game and play it to the best of your ability. Ray's journey to the NBA began in Dalzell, South Carolina.
Both his parents Walter and Flora Allen played semi-professional basketball. So Ray had some very good teachers early on. Like his older brother, Ray played at Hillcrest High School, and in his senior year, led the team to a state basketball championship with an average of 25 point and 10.5 rebounds a game.
After that came the University of Connecticut and the big bad Big East. Ray made a quick impression by making the conference All-Rookie team, then went on to become a first-team All-American and 1995-96 National Player of the Year.
From Connecticut, Ray went on to Milwaukee to star for the Bucks. Leaving UConn in his junior year was a big decision for Ray. He was an excellent student (with a 3.6 grade point average) and really enjoyed his years in Storrs, but he also had to consider his family, especially his daughter, Tierra.
Ray Allen is considered one of the NBA's classiest players. Fans marvel at how graceful he is on the court, and how easy he makes it all look. But don't be fooled. That fade-away jumper, that crossover dribble, that three-point accuracy are all the result of hard work, day in and day out.
