Get to Know New Player Development Coach: D’Hey Allen

February 29, 2024

By: Dylan Tehada

D’Hey Allen has been playing ball for as long as he can remember. From the age of 10, Allen has dedicated his life to the game of basketball as both a player and currently as a trainer. As a new Player Development Coach at UPB, Allen seeks to use his basketball experience to make a positive impact on the next generation of Bay Area hoopers on and off the court.

Allen first started playing basketball competitively in elementary school. From that point forward his love and passion for the game continues to grow. When he was a freshman at San Mateo High School, Allen’s dedication to the game reached an all time high as he strived to continue his career and elevate his game. After graduating from high school in 2018, Allen took his talents to Cañada College where he received an Associate Degree in History and earned Dean’s list twice. He then transferred to Colby Sawyer College in New Hampshire, where he embraced the East Coast style of play and finished his college career.

“I enjoyed my time there… I learned a different style of basketball, which is the East Coast style that is all fast paced going up and down the floor, whereas West Coast basketball is more of a finesse,” Allen said.

Basketball has meant the world to Allen. While elevating his game as a player by learning new skills has indeed amplified his appreciation for the sport, his love of basketball transcends all the tangible skill sets he has acquired. The game has been a release for him where he can get lost for hours playing and has also served as a form of connection with other hoopers. 

“I also use [basketball] as a way to connect around the world because you meet so many different people coming from so many different backgrounds while playing basketball. It's a way of connection and meeting the right people, making new friends, and just having different experiences in life,” Allen said.

Allen has embraced being a part of the UPB community and admires the welcoming environment UPB fosters from coaches to players to parents and families. As a Player Development Coach, he strives to spread his love for the game and make a positive impact on the athletes he trains with by fostering a fun and joyful playing environment. To Allen, having fun while playing the game and developing a love and passion for the sport is integral to elevating one’s skill set.

“The impact I hope to make is just to make sure that the kids are having fun. Although playing basketball is very competitive, at the end of the day you should always be having fun while playing. So that's my main goal,” Allen said. “If you don't understand the drill, right then and there, I'm going to teach it in a way where you understand it and it's going to be fun for you.”

Allen’s experience with the game is top notch and he seeks to leverage his knowledge of the game to help the UPB community on and off the court. Throughout his career, Allen has learned a great deal about himself and seeks to impart his wisdom and passion for the game on hoopers seeking to elevate their skills. His key to success: never stop trying new things.

“Even if you do mess up, as long as you're messing up and you keep trying, that will be beneficial in the long run. I'd say you'll never know what you can do until you try it. Always give it a shot and take a risk on yourself. Always bet on yourself,” Allen said.