As the Panthers step out of conference play for a pair of games, we sit down with redshirt-junior Corey Allen who has made his presence known playing in a dozen games so far for the Panthers. Allen sat out last season as a redshirt per NCAA transfer rules but used the year to get better and it has shown so far this season.

Q: Before we talk about this season, let's talk a little bit about last year. How hard was it to have to sit out a season, but at the same point, was it also helpful?

A: It was pretty tough since I knew I wasn't going to be able to play the whole season. It helped me because it taught me about patience, being patient, waiting until my time comes, and gave me time to work on my game in the gym. Guys on the team last year always talked to me about being patient and getting ready for when my time came.

Q: Did having a large group of seniors last year help you get ready for this year?

A: Devin Mitchell was one of the main guys I relied on last year as he had transferred from Alabama and knew what it was like. He told me about the year he had to sit out and how being patient got him through it and prepared him for when it was his time to play. He and I used to stay in the gym extra last year and put up extra shots all the time and I definitely picked his mind.

Q: You are off to a very good start to the season. What has helped you get going quick after a year off?

A: What I think has helped me is that I spent so much time in the gym last year, so it was almost like I didn't take a year off. It also helped that my teammates did a great job getting me involved. I tried to stay ready the whole year as if I could play and I think that has helped me this year.

Q: What is it about Coach Lanier's system that has allowed you to thrive so far this year?

A: There is a lot of ball movement and we do a lot of dribble penetrations which allows the defense to collapse. Since we have great guards like Kane, Justin, and Damon, they are able to kick the ball out and get it to the open man for some open shots.

Q: Although we are only about one-third of the way through the year, do you have a favorite memory so far?

A: Favorite moment so far has to be the shot against Dartmouth that tied the game with like a second to play. I knew when it left my hands that it was going in. The atmosphere was great, and the best part was that it helped us win the game. If we didn't get the win, it really would not have mattered.