Looking to parlay his productive four years at Florida into the best professional position possible KeVaughn Allen has accepted an invitation to the Professional Basketball Combine. While the top tier prospects are headed to the NBA Combine or the G-League combine that started this year, the Professional Basketball Combine is still a solid event that could give Allen the exposure he needs to either land an NBA Summer League invitation or show enough to warrant a contract somewhere in Europe.
This won’t be the first time a Gator has participated in the event. Egor Koulechov attended following his one year as a Gator. Following the combine he was invited to join the Minnesota Timberwolves Summer League roster and while it didn’t end up with him sticking with the big club or getting an opportunity with their G-League affiliate it was valuable experience that helped him with where he’s at now playing in Israel. Also participating two summers ago was Justin Leon whose hard work resulted in an invitation to play for the G-League’s Oklahoma City Blue, a team he still plays for. Canyon Barry was also in attendance and his performance in the workouts helped get him some G-League interest and ultimately a nice opportunity in Finland.
Next to Koulechov in last year’s combine were some really good players that ended up with some really good G-League and European opportunities including Lagerald Vick, JP Macura, Deng Adel, and Rodney Bullock. Two years ago at the same event as Leon and Barry was current Chicago Bull Antonio Blakenly as well as some other standouts like Troy Caupain, JJ Frazier, and Charles Cooke.
What Allen will be most looking to prove is some consistency and upside with his offensive game. A streaky shooter, he definitely had enough hot shooting nights to gain a reputation as a bit of a marksman but when you look at his overall numbers from college the numbers don’t project him being a great shooter at another level. His game off the drive is also a bit unfinished and he’ll have some things to prove there. His defense should stand out and that could make a G-League or top European club really interested.
Where he should shine is some of the athletic testing. Although we didn’t see it a ton during the past two years at Florida Allen was extremely bouncy to start his career and his vertical leap should test well, making up for the fact he isn’t particularly tall or long for his position. He also has good straight-line speed that should test well and I’m also expecting him to be pretty fleet-footed in the agility challenges.
A big question in Allen’s pro career will be what his ultimate goal is and how much he wants to grind to get there. He might be able to get his foot in the door at the G-League level but the salary and lifestyle isn’t as comfortable as many of the options overseas. However, the NBA dream is most easily kept alive when you’re in the G-League. Europe offers some great basketball, great living situations, and great salaries, and if Allen is looking to settle in one spot than Europe could have a lot of upside.
Last week KeVaughn Allen signed with agent Kim Griller of Paramount Sports and Entertainment, a relatively small agency by basketball standards without too many NBA players, and Griller currently doesn’t individually represent any of the NBA talent personally. Europe could very well be the option we see next for Allen and that could be a tremendous opportunity for him. We should know more after his time at the Professional Basketball Combine.