MOSCOW, Idaho – Heading into the 2016-17 season, GoVandals.com will be sitting down with every member of the Idaho men's basketball squad with the @VandalHoops Hotseat.
Trevon Allen didn't have to travel far from his home of Lapwai, Idaho, to join to the team. A Vandal since birth, Allen brings a ton of championship-level experience to a squad that is looking to improve on its semifinal appearance from a season ago.
WHY IDAHO?
"A big reason were the players and the coaches. When I was up on the visits they really made me feel like I was already part of the team, even though I wasn't. It was a good fit, overall. Then it being within a good range of home, getting to see my family a lot too, and having family and community members back home being able to come and watch some of the games. Then both of my parents being alumni too, might as well follow in the footsteps. It's pretty cool."
YOU HAD AN AMAZING HIGH SCHOOL CAREER, HOW DO YOU TRANSLATE THAT TO THE COLLEGE GAME?
"Just keep working at it. Take on the grind. Just doing whatever coach needs me to do to benefit the team. It may be just taking care of the ball out there, or a good defensive possession, it's just whatever they need me to do. I'm going to use my abilities and what I have to do that the best I can."
HOW IMPORTANT WAS THE CHINA TRIP IN YOUR GROWTH AS A COLLEGE ATHLETE?
"It was a great experience. Going to China really got my feet wet, especially playing against bigger, stronger guys over there. Getting to know the offense earlier and getting to play with the guys on the court beforehand will help me going into the season, already getting me a couple steps ahead of where I would've been if I didn't get the chance to go. It was just a great experience overall."
INDIVIDUAL GOALS FOR 2016-17?
"Just trying to do the best I can. I'm not sure what kind of awards or things are out there, I'm just trying to do what I can to help the team, that's my main goal right now. And I'm trying to give myself a good foundation for these upcoming years. Get that base for my first year."
TEAM GOALS FOR 2016-17?
"Trying to win it all, Big Sky Championship. I think it's a great team to do it, seeing what they did last year and how many guys we're returning I think we have a good chance at doing it. Where we were placed in the polls means a lot, but it really depends on how much work we put in. If we really want to go get it I think we can."
Stay tuned for the next edition of the @VandalHoops Hotseat.
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The season begins with a pair of exhibitions, against Carroll College on October 25 and LCSC on November 4. The regular season begins at home on November 12 against Corban University. Fans can also get their first look at the new Vandals at the Silver and Gold game on Thursday, October 20 at 6 p.m. in Memorial Gym.
Fans can stay up-to-date on all things Idaho men's basketball by following the team on twitter, @VandalHoops.
For more information on Idaho Athletics, visit GoVandals.com. Fans can also find Idaho on Twitter and Instagram, @Idaho_Vandals, or on Facebook by searching Idaho Vandals.
