Giving Back to The Game

Leading up to opening night of the 2020-21 Georgia State men's basketball season, each member of the roster will be featured on a different day with a story, video, and social media elements. We continue the series today with Corey Allen who enters his second season on the court with the Panthers.

Sometimes in life opportunities come along that you don't realize are opportunities until after they have come and gone. Fortunately, those too can be learning experiences as well. In the case of senior Corey Allen, transferring from Detroit to Georgia State proved to be an opportunity that came with some challenges but also opened his eyes to the future.

"Sitting out that year was kind of hard for me since it was the first time I ever had to sit out," Allen said of his transfer year. "It felt weird not playing basketball, the game I love. However, it helped me expand my game a lot more. It helped me become more of a team player. That team that I sat out with was a really good one that could 'go'. I learned I had to be a complete player and it led to me working on my game every day. It helped a lot."

The opportunity to play alongside multiple teammates who are now playing professionally wasn't lost on the guard from Ypsilanti, Mich., and it is now something that motivates him to get better.

"It motivates me seeing what guys like Dev (Devin Mitchell) and Leak (Malik Benlevi) and I hit them up to let them know I am still watching them and congratulating them on what they are doing. They put in the work and I watched them put in the work so it makes me want to work harder so I can hopefully do the same thing they can."

It has also shown Allen what his future might look like someday. Just as guys like Mitchell and Benlevi took him under their wings, he hopes to be able to return the favor someday.

"My dream job would be to coach high school basketball. I just feel like giving back in some form. Some kids want to learn how to be a better person. As a young kid they don't always know what they need to do and I could teach them the way and teach them how to play basketball the right way."

A valuable lesson in life is to 'play it forward' and it appears that the lessons Allen has learned on his basketball adventure are already starting to kicking in. The future is bright for this star from 'beyond the arc' whether on the court or from the sidelines.

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Players Mentioned

#2 Malik Benlevi: F; 6' 6"; Senior

#24 Devin Mitchell: G; 6' 4"; Senior

#11 Corey Allen: G; 6' 2"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#2 Malik Benlevi
: 6' 6"; Senior
: F

#24 Devin Mitchell
: 6' 4"; Senior
: G

#11 Corey Allen
: 6' 2"; Senior
: G

Players Mentioned

#2 Malik Benlevi

#24 Devin Mitchell

#11 Corey Allen

Players Mentioned

#2 Malik Benlevi

#24 Devin Mitchell

#11 Corey Allen