KJ Allen from ‘Last Chance U’ takes game to Big 12
LUBBOCK, Texas (BVM) — With all of the success stories showcased on Netflix’s “Last Chance U” football series, they decided to test it out on the hardwood. KJ Allen has become one of the best stories from the project.
KJ Allen’s Last Chance U experience
The show is pinpointed on the basketball program at East Los Angeles College during its 29-1 season before being shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Los Angeles native, the 6-foot-6, 255 pound power forward starred for the Huskies with 18.5 points per game and 9.3 rebounds during 2019-2020 as a freshman. This made him sought after as a JUCO recruit, being ranked No. 11 by 247 Sports amongst the junior college class in 2021.
KJ Allen is going to be a lot of fun.
— THE NAŦION 🌵 (@gunsupnation) April 15, 2021
While most schools were able to get in some type of season for 2020-2021, this was not the case for East Los Angeles. Allen and the rest of the Husky program sat out for the year. After going a full season without playing, he announced his decision to go to Texas Tech, becoming the first commitment under head coach Mark Adams.
Prior to pledging to the Red Raiders, Allen was committed to USC. He announced his decision to flip on April 13, 2021.
Where is KJ Allen now?
Allen made 19 appearances for Texas Tech this past season, averaging 1.9 points with 1.8 rebounds. Allen’s best game came against Kansas State on Feb. 28 where he put up eight points and six rebounds, contributing to the Red Raiders’ home victory.
KJ Allen (@Kjallen32) throwing it down in his @TexasTechMBB debut pic.twitter.com/vJF3s33GTH
— Last Chance U (@LastChanceUAlum) November 10, 2021
Allen will be a junior this upcoming academic year with two more years of eligibility left. Now with a season of Power 5 basketball under his belt, he could see an increase in minutes next year in Lubbock in the Red Raiders’ endeavors for a Big 12 title.
Photo: KJ Allen transferred to Texas Tech after his success at East Los Angeles. (Credit: Michael C. Johnson/USA TODAY Sports)