Three Penn alums try to make it in the NBA

Allen signs with Indiana Jerome Allen, a 1995 Penn graduate, signed a contract with the Indiana Pacers on August 17. Although the Pacers would not disclose the terms, Allen's agent, Arn Tellum said it was a one-year guaranteed deal. This will be the second pro team for the two-time Ivy League Player of the Year. Allen spent his rookie season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, who selected him in the second round of the 1995 NBA draft. In 41 games with Minnesota, Allen averaged 2.6 points, 0.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists per contest. Allen's playing time dwindled significantly after Flip Saunders was fired and replaced by Bill Blair as coach of the T-Wolves mid-season. After an unproductive year with Minnesota, Allen became a free agent on July 1, since he had signed only a one-year deal with the Timberwolves. He attended free agent camps with the New Jersey Nets and Atlanta Hawks before signing with the Pacers. Allen came to the Quakers in 1991and helped lead Penn to three straight NCAA appearances. He ended his career as the Quakers' all-time assists and steals leader and second all-time in three-pointers made. Allen might be best remembered for the leaner he hit with 4.4 seconds left against Michigan, giving Penn a 62-60 victory on ESPN, arguably the greatest upset in recent Quakers history. Known for his cross-over dribble and his tenacious defense, the biggest weakness in Allen's game is his jump shot -- which probably dropped him to the second-round in the 1995 NBA draft. -- Michael Hasday

Please note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.