Derrick Allen is a 203cm forward that grew up in Gadsen Alabama. He is a rugged inside player who attacks the glass, will provide help on the boards, is a solid defender in the post, a competitor and hard worker that can score facing the basket and has shooting range to the foul line. He started his career at Southern Union State from 1998-2000.

He then transferred to Mississippi and played there from 2000-2003.

He then started his professional basketball career in Iceland playing for Keflavikur ripping up the FIBA Europe Cup playing 8 games and averaging 26.6ppg, 9.4rpg, 2.5apg, 1.8spg and playing 22 games in the Iceland league averaging 23,4ppg, 10.5rpg. He won the Icelandic league and cup title in his rookie season.

In 2004, he ventured to Germany and has played there ever since with two years in Karlsruhe, one year in Leverkusen and he is now starting his third season for The Deutsche Bank Skyliners.

In 2006-2007, he led Leverksuen into the playoffs and led the BBL in scoring playing 38 games and averaging 16.5ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.2apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 50.6%, 3FGP: 32.3%, FT: 72.2%. In 2007-2008, he was second best scorer in the BBL for Frankfurt playing 43 games and averaging 18.1ppg, 7.3rpg, 1.9apg, 2FGP: 50.4%, 3PT: 36.1%, FT: 75.6%; and playing 10 ULEB Cup games finishing as the third best scorer averaging 19.9ppg, 7.9rpg, 2.0apg, FGP: 54%, 3PT: 28.6%, FT: 72.9%. He has reached three BBL playoffs in five seasons and played in the 2008 BBL Allstar game. He had a chat with us about his summer, Skyliners and Usain Bolt.

How was your summer? Does it become any harder motivating yourself to workout as you get older?

My summer was great man, I did a lot of travelling and took my family on vacation. But I worked out a lot this summer, and wanted to improve my game. I am a pretty much a self-motivated guy so it wasnt hard too get up, and get in the gym everyday.

How does a typical Derrick Allen workout day with conditioning/basketball look like?

A typical workout day with me is pretty long. Normally I am working out doing basketball drills, and playing pick-up in the morning from 1030-130. Then in the afternoon, I do a cardio for 30 mins and I would finish with a weight workout for 1hr. Thats a normal day for DA.

You are starting your third season in Frankfurt. How disappointed are you that so many players left?

We had a great group of guys last year, on and off the court.. But its a part of the business, guys will come and go. But if guys get a better job and more money, then I am for that, but I wish those guys nothing but the best this season.

You resigned with team before you found out that the team would not play Eurochallenge. A very big dissappointment?

Me as a player I would like too play international competition every year, but the club decided not too, but that didnt really factor in my decision too come back to Frankfurt, so it didnt disappoint me too much.

Could it be a plus not playing eurochallenge and just the BBL schedule for the team and yourself?

I think so, it can give guys more time too work on there game during the week and then guys will be really motivated too perform on the weekend.

The team is not as strong on paper as last year. It seems like you could be the main focus on offense again. Is this something that you take with open arms?

I think we will be strong this season.. As for my self, I just come in ready too play every season like the one before. As a go-to-guy, so if I am the main focus again then I wouldnt be so surprised, but we will just have too wait and see until the season starts.

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The team has not really gotten known players except for Marius Nolte. Do you see yourself taking even more of a vocal/leadership role this season?

I have always been a lead by example type guy, but I think this year I will have too be more vocal on and off the court..And that started last season, with helping the younger guys. But I think me being a leader with Pascal, will be a big key too our success this season.

Many critics are seeing reaching the playoffs as difficult. Coach Didin says that the team could be in the top half of the standings. What are the realistic goals of this team and how do you want to achieve them out of your perspective?

The realistic goal for this season is too make the playoffs, and compete for a championship.

Omari Westley said that Seth Doliboa could be a force in the league. What is your impression of him so far?

Seth is a cool guy, and he seems too be a athletic big guy who can shoot the basketball pretty good.

What can Quaaran Calhoun and Grayson Moyer bring to the table in the BBL?

Quaaran and Grayson are rookies. I think they will bring a lot for our team with Q being athletic, and Grayson being a shooter. If they work hard, they shouldnt have a problem in the BBL.

How dangerous are teams like Artland and Bremerhaven this season?

Artland and Bremenhaven have put together 2 very good rosters, especially Bremenhaven.. But if they can put all of that talent together, they should be very dangerous in this league.

What on your game improved the most last season?

I think my passing and dribble penetration improved from last season the most. And I hope by working on my game, this summer that I took another step in those 2 areas too help my team win games.

I thought that your passing has gotten really good. Was that something you worked extra one last season?

Yes, I worked on my passing, because I had problems passing out of double teams, or find the open guy with the defense on me. But I work on every aspect of my game every summer

With you and Pascal guarenteed for scoring in put, how important will it be to get Jimmy Mckinney back to his old self scoring wise. What makes Jimmy so strong that will enable him to fight back and get his old rhythm back?

I think JRoc, is one of the most talented players in our league. He has all the tools too be one of the top guards in the BBL. I think Jimmy has too really focus on his game, and stay injury free and he will have a really good season.

Is Usain Bolt for real. How fast do you run the 100 and 40 yard dash? What is your impression of the 100 meter dash?

Miles, that is funny you asked me that. And yes Usain Bolt is the truth. But I am coming for his world record in London 2012 games.. The day you asked me this, we did 100m runs in our conditioning practice and I ran 11.8 the 1st time ever doing it. Then yesterday 08-19-2009, I ran 10.7 in the 100m, I am telling you Usain.. If you are reading this, I am coming for you in London. I am just 1.12secs off of the world record.. lol. I havent ran a 40 yard dash since high school and I think I ran it at 4.6. The 100meter dash is a great race for track @ field athletes, and it something I couldnt do all of the time.