SCHOLAR-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

written by Bryan Mcdaniel

Walt Allen has been named the Big South Men’s Basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year. The conference office announced this outstanding achievement on February 28th, 2011. Allen also received a spot on the All-Academic Team for the third time in his illustrious career!

Allen is a redshirt senior from London, KY that has earned a 3.8 GPA in his time here at Presbyterian College. He is currently student teaching and will receive a degree in education in May. Walt was also a part of the NCAA Division I academic all-independent team in 2008. In addition Allen has been named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) annual Honor’s Court twice in his career for his achievements in the classroom.

Walt appeared in all 31 games this season, starting in 20, and recording 8 double figure scoring games. Allen saved the best for last with his best scoring efforts of his career coming against the Blue Hose last two opponents: VMI and Liberty. Allen led the Blue Hose in scoring in both contests. Walt set a career high with 19 points as well as a career high in rebounds with 15 against the Keydets. That was Allen’s second double-double on the season.

Allen’s encore performance came on senior night against Liberty where he led the Blue Hose in scoring with 18 points. He averaged 18.5 points per game in his last two games and collected a total of 19 rebounds. On the season he averaged 7.2 points per game.

Walt helped the Blue Hose end their season on a positive not with a 73-66 win over Liberty in their home season finale. PC’s final record was 13-18, the most wins in men’s basketball D-I history.