When you look back at the rosters of the Frankfurt Skyliners between the seasons of 2007-2010, you will come across players that one never saw again in action playing for another German Beko BBL team like an Adam Emmenckar, Jimmie Hunt, Greg Jenkins, Dragan Labovic or Seth Doliboa. The list grows however when you list the names of guys that one saw play again since their stay in Frankfurt with guys like Jimmy Mckinney, Konrad Wysocki, Anthony King, or a Dominik Bahiense De Mello. There are even  a few guys that changed jerseys more than once like a Koko Archibong who  played in towns like Giessen, Bayreuth and Munich or even a Max Weber who really might have had  a rebate on Regio trains in Germany as he was shuffling all over the place from Giessen to Kaiserslautern, to Goettingen or to Ludwigsburg and now is closer to home playing with SC Rasta Vechta. But if one had to choose one player that one has the most affection for when seeing him dazzle the paint area even in a strangers uniform then it is Mr ballerina Derrick Allen. He also has changed uniforms more than once in the Beko BBL since his last season in Frankfurt in 2009-2010. His last game was the bitter last second loss to the Brose Baskets Bamberg in game 5 of the 2010 finals. Since then he went for the money in the twilight of his career playing for Alba Berlin form 2010-2012 and last season in Belgium for   Belgacom Spirou (Belgium-Ethias League). He is known as being one of the hardest workers in the game of basketball and in his time with the Frankfurt Skyliners was the go to guy playing  a total of 148 games for the 2004 BBL champion. He was second in league scoring in 2008 and was just a delight to watch and one of those guys when asked why you came out to the arena saying to watch Derrick Allen play. His trademark was his unconventional, overhasty moves that at times looked like a factory worker stumbling to punch out at 4.30 in the afternoon to get over to the bar to join the boys. He may be 33 and is his twilight of his career, but he can still be a force as he has formed a solid forward punch with Brian Harper with the Eisbaeren Bremerhaven. He was back again at the office dueling against his ex coach Gordon Herbert who he had as coach in Frankfurt and Berlin, but couldn´t put a dent in the explosive Andy Rautins Show as the Fraport Skyliners snapped their two game losing streak 88-72. Allen was sold again in his third game scoring 13 points, grabbing five rebounds and finding the open man from the post with two assists. Brian Harper who  was a force last season with TBB Trier and is 5 years younger than Allen scored only two points and is always able to learn something from the Alabama native. D.A is the ultimate professional. He plays hard every minute in practice and game. It is awesome to watch him play and I can still learn from him and get better. It is an honor to play with him. He is a great captain”, added Bremerhaven forward Brian Harper. Allen was playing a lot of center in the game and Skyliner Jacob Burtschi was glad he didn´t have to be perplexed  by his ballerina moves. “He works so hard and I am happy that I didn´t have to guard him. He makes you play and never takes any possessions off. I have a lot of respect for him”, added Jacob Burtschi. After the loss Bremerhaven head coach Calvin Oldham had little mimic in his expression, but when he heard the name Derrick Allen, his face lit up as bright as the New York skyline. “As a professional, Derrick is at the top of the list. There are always guys you like to be around no matter their talent. I always feel like he says and does the right ting at every moment”, lauded Bremerhaven head coach Calvin Oldham.

(more…)