The Tartan

By: Jacqueline Kim

Justin Allen is currently a junior at Carnegie Mellon University pursuing a double major in Behavioral Economics and Decision Science. Apart from his studies, Allen spends a considerable amount of his day on the courts playing Division III basketball.

On Jan. 6, Allen was named UAA Athlete of the Week for the third time for his exceptional performance on the courts. He is currently placed in the top four by the National Collegiate Athletic Association, and recently broke two Carnegie Mellon University school records in an overtime victory against Dickinson College. Allen broke a previous record for most points in a single game by scoring 50 points as well as another record for most triples per game with nine triples.

Allen has been playing basketball for a majority of his life. “I’ve been playing ever since I can remember,” Allen said. “I played a lot of different sports when I was younger… but once I got to late middle school, I focused on basketball and made that my priority. Ever since then it’s been my passion and mostly all that I do.” Since he was recruited to play Division III basketball at Carnegie Mellon University, Allen’s relationship with the sport has continued to evolve, along with his growing list of achievements that represent his dedication and hard work. “I’ve come to love the game even more and have more passion for it. It’s something I spend most of my time doing, so it’s amazing. I’m grateful I’m able to do that.”

But the daily life of a college athlete is one that is heavily dependent on iron discipline. Allen starts his day around 8 a.m. to hit the gym and play basketball for around an hour and a half in the mornings. He then rejoins the majority of the Carnegie Mellon University student body by attending classes and resuming his identity as a student. After classes, Allen meets his teammates on the courts for practice from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., followed by a lift or an opportunity for additional practice, and then a recovery session with his trainers. “And then [I repeat] that every single day [in order to stay] consistent. But I love it, so I can’t complain.”

Despite the challenge of attending an academically rigorous university, Allen is capable of managing it all thanks to his ambition and the support of his teammates.

Although his current record of achievements is impressive, Allen is still early in his athletic career and has many aspirations for the future. “I just want to do the best that I can academically and athletically and, you know, have fun. At the end of the day, it’s about having fun.”

“Since I was young, I made it my goal to be as good as I can at basketball and to try to become a professional basketball player. Every time I wake up I’m working out every day. I think about myself when I was younger and the goals and things that I had set out… I don’t want to look back and have any regrets and think that I took a day off here, I was lazy, I didn’t work hard enough. I’m trying to reach my full potential.”

The 24-25 collegiate basketball season is now well underway, but there is still much to come. With Allen’s athletic career on the rise, collegiate basketball can anticipate much from him in coming games.