Photo courtesy: Basket Universo, Massimo De Marco
Former George Mason Patriot Bryon Allen (2010-14) dropped by George Mason University recently to get a workout in before he heads to Israel for another year of basketball. GoMason.com was able to catch up with Allen on his professional career and what he is looking forward to in Israel, as well as who has been able to help him along the way.
You just wrapped up the NBA Summer League with the Philadelphia Sixers. How did that go?
It was a great experience and I cherished every moment of it. It was really a dream come true because it's a step closer to reaching my dreams. I was exposed to a different atmosphere and got a chance to see how the NBA works. Some of the players I played with I already knew, but it was great to be able to play with different levels of athletes like Ben Simmons who was just the number one draft pick. It was an opportunity to live in the moment and learn from the coaching staff and players.
How did the Summer League impact your game?
The summertime is meant to work on everything. But the Summer League taught me to be prepared because I didn't know the role they wanted from me. I still played to my defensive capabilities, but next time I'll know what they want me to do instead of not knowing what they expect from me.
You've recently signed with Hapoel Tel Aviv BC, which marks your third season playing basketball overseas. How is that going?
It's a great experience to be able to travel the world, experience different cultures, meet new people and play the game of basketball. A person has to be strong-minded and open-minded to be successful overseas. You have to be open-minded to learning the game and doing things differently. You have to be strong-minded to be away from home for several months of the year and thousands of miles away from family and friends. It's not easy, but it's an incredible experience and you get to see different styles of basketball.
How is basketball different overseas?
The game itself is different; it's a lot more physical. Here, we play with a lot more finesse. The style is drastically different overseas and the physicality is a huge difference. Whereas a flagrant foul here might get you ejected, overseas that might just be a regular foul. I had to get used to not getting the calls I would normally get over here.
Where has your favorite place been that you've visited?
Tel Aviv will probably be my favorite place once I get there. But of where I've been, Italy was the best. I was in Roseto, which is just over an hour from Rome. The weather was great, the food was terrific and the people were really nice. The club I played with was a family-oriented club and they treated me very well. They also treated my mother very well when she came over to visit.
Poland was my first experience coming from a collegiate environment and it was a whole new experience. My stint in Poland was a stepping stone for me to get my career started and I thank them for giving me the opportunity and I was fortunate to get another opportunity in Italy. I'm hoping Tel Aviv will also give me another great opportunity in my career.
When do you head to Israel?
I leave next month. Right now I'm just training, working out and getting ready. I'm spending time with my family because once I leave, I'll be gone for 9-10 months of the year. I've actually been able to catch up with Darryl Monroe who played in Israel in the same town I will be in, so he's been a big help and gave me some tips on the city and what to expect.
What are you looking forward to in Israel?
I'm just looking forward to getting the opportunity to showcase my talent as a point guard. In Poland I ran point too, but I was also a combo guard. In Italy, I had to be the leading scorer. So I'm looking forward to getting to Israel, but the bar is set pretty high there because Nate Robinson was there last season, so expectations are high going in. It will be a challenge for me. If I do well, hopefully I can continue my career moving forward.
