Duke Basketball's Grayson Allen Next Polarizing Blue Devil

By michaelcosteines
Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports

Christian Laettner, J.J. Redick.

In the history of college basketball, both epitomized the Duke Blue Devils‘ persona. They were the favorites of some and the enemies of many for their talent and for the prestige of the school name on the front of their jerseys.

The next man that might be on the verge of getting that very same attention and criticism is Duke freshman Grayson Allen. Allen has emerged in the Blue Devils’ rotation after the dismissal of Rasheed Sulaimon.

Allen might only be averaging 2.7 points a night, but his athleticism is something anyone can notice. Allen, a 6-foot-4 guard out of Jacksonville, has a second step on his ladder to jump out of the gym. In case you watched the Blue Devils in their most recent win over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, you will know exactly what I’m talking about. In case you don’t, Allen came flying down the court and covered a chunk of floor in the air to swat a field goal attempt at the rim from  Demetrius Jackson of the Fighting Irish.

If that was not proof enough, his name on highlight real dunks can be seen all over Youtube from his time at the Providence school. Moreover, Allen jumped over fellow Blue Devils teammate Jahlil Okafor to win the 2014 PowerAde Jam Fest slam dunk championship. Fellow Blue Devil Gerald Henderson, who was also known for freakish athleticism, won the same award back in 2006.

Adding to his persona is his ability to hit from long range. Like Redick, Allen has the tools of an unconscious shooter and that will be on full display once his playing time becomes more prevalent. One thing is for certain, opponents will have to keep an eye on him once he develops a consistent part in the Blue Devils’ rotation.

As a freshman right now, Allen will be mostly a role player around a stacked Blue Devils team. However, his time on the floor could very well give the team it’s biggest spark plug. Whether it be a big 3-pointer, an insane block, or a rim-shattering dunk, Allen will have Cameron Indoor stadium rocking for years to come. More importantly, his skills could be a sneaky momentum builder for the team in the NCAA tournament.

It might be the calm before the storm, but Allen has every notion of becoming a poster boy on the nation’s most liked and hated college basketball program.

Allen is likely to draw media attention as he is a freak athlete for a school with a big name. Not to mention, he has the look some college basketball fans are going to attach themselves to for better or worse.

The college basketball world should prepare accordingly.

Michael Costeines is the ACC basketball Blogger for www.Rantsports.com. Follow him on Twitter @MCosteines, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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