Timmy Allen announces return to Texas

On3 imageby:Joe Cook04/20/22

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With one more year of eligibility afforded to him by the NCAA due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Texas forward Timmy Allen had a choice to make: stay or go? On Wednesday, Allen made the call to come back for one more year with the Longhorns and head coach Chris Beard.

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Allen announced the news on his Instagram page.

Allen, a 6-foot-6 senior originally from Mesa (Ariz.) Red Mountain, transferred to Texas from Utah ahead of the 2021-22 season. He was the leading scorer and rebounder for the Longhorns in Beard’s first season, averaging 12.1 points and 6.4 rebounds per contest. He started all 34 games for the Longhorns and averaged 29 minutes per game.

The return of Allen for Beard’s second year and the program’s first in the brand new Moody Center means that the Longhorns will have an experienced, versatile player who can run point when necessary and find scoring opportunities in the midrange. Allen shot almost 50 percent last year and was 73 percent from the line.

One facet that could stand to improve in Allen’s game is his three-point shooting. He attempted 15 total last season, making just four of them.

Though he can function as a primary ball-handler, his ability to move without the ball mean taking him off-ball would be best for his game.

Nevertheless, his return means a strong cultural figure and difference-making player who averaged 12.6 points and 6.5 rebounds per game in conference is back for another run, one he hopes lasts past the first weekend.

The roster as it stands

F Timmy Allen, senior with four years of high-major experience

PF Christian Bishop, senior with four years of high-major experience

SG Jabari Rice, senior with four years of college experience

Brock Cunningham, senior with four years of high-major experience

PF Dillon Mitchell, freshman, On3 Consensus five-star

CG Arterio Morris, freshman, On3 Consensus five-star

PG Rowan Brumbaugh, freshman, On3 Consensus four-star

Marcus Carr

Inside Texas continues to hear that Carr is giving serious thought to coming back for another season. IT is not ready to predict he is coming back, but it does remain a possibility. Part of Carr coming back would be the understanding that he wouldn’t be asked to do it all at point guard for 30 minutes per game. Having Morris and Brumbaugh would allow for Carr to be more of a scoring guard at times.

Disu’s decision remains in question

IT continues to hear Dylan Disu is not a lock to be back. There has been more positive thoughts in recent days, but not a lock. The 6-foot-9 junior didn’t have the season many anticipated after a long recovery from offseason knee surgery. The Texas staff believes Disu could take a big step to return to prior for next season, should he return.

Top targets in the portal

Louisiana Tech power forward Kenneth Lofton Jr. continues to be the top target in the transfer portal. The former state champion at Port Arthur (Texas) Memorial is seen as a difference-making paint scorer the program lacked this season. The 6-foot-7, 275-pound skilled forward with quick feet and a mid-range game averaged 16.5 points and 10.5 rebounds this season. He burst onto the national scene after leading the 2021 FIBA U19 Team USA in scoring last summer. He led a team in scoring that included Gonzaga freshman Chet Holmgren, Purdue star guard Jaden Ivey, and other NBA draft prospects.

Lofton Jr. is the cousin of former Texas and NFL running back Jamaal Charles. The Longhorns’ main competition is Houston, who covets Lofton as well.

Another big man Texas continues to have communication with is Utah Valley State transfer Fardaws Aimaq. The 6-foot-11, 245-pounder averaged 18.9 points and 13.6 rebounds per game, along with converting 43.5% of his attempts from distance. Gonzaga and Washington have been considered the favorites in recent days to land the skilled big man.

Gerry Hamilton contributed to this story

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