Lavoy Allen is taking his talents to France.
The former Temple standout, who was selected 50th overall in the second
round of this year’s NBA draft, signed a contract with Strasbourg IG in
France’s Pro A division. Allen has an opt-out clause if and when the NBA
lockout is resolved.
If the lockout ends, Allen will return to Philadelphia and pursue his
dream of being a Sixer. Because Allen was a second-round pick, he isn’t
guaranteed to make the roster. Instead, he must try out in training camp
and hope to earn a contract.
“The NBA is my dream,” said Allen, who plans on leaving for France in
late August, “so if the opportunity comes, and the lockout ends, I will
opt out.”
Allen said his biggest fear about playing in France is the language
barrier. But he is mostly looking forward to “being in a new country”
and “competing against other professionals.”
Allen is mildly upset the lockout has affected his plans, but he is still happy that he’ll be playing pro basketball.
“It does kind of stink a little bit,” Allen said about the lockout. “But
I’m still going to be playing basketball, which is something I love to
do. It gives me a chance to experience a new culture. It’s more of a
chance for me to become a man and mature, and I’m ready to take on that
challenge.”
