Jerome Allen says risk will pay off for Penn

Mar 31, 2010 - 9:09 PM PHILADELPHIA(AP) -- Jerome Allen acknowledges Penn is taking a chance. He even called it an "unbelievable risk."

But Allen says the greatest gambles sometimes result in the richest payoffs.

"I feel like I'm living a dream," an emotional Allen said Wednesday as he was introduced as Penn's basketball coach after serving in an interim role for most of last season. "It's always been about family."

A two-time Ivy League Player of the Year, Allen was a four-year starter who led the Quakers to three straight league titles in the 1990's. The Philadelphia native spent two seasons in the NBA and more than a decade playing in Europe before being hired as an assistant at Penn last summer.

After an 0-7 start, Penn fired Glen Miller on Dec. 14 and made Allen interim coach. The Quakers went 6-15 the rest of the way, including a 79-64 victory over Ivy League champ Cornell.

The win over the Big Red - who went 13-1 in conference play and later reached the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament - showed that Allen might be the man for the job.

"It just showed glimpses of what we could accomplish if we play together," said Allen, whose team was hobbled by injuries for much of the season. "We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I'm up to the challenge."

Allen, 37, worked as a player/coach in Italy but has never been a full-time college coach. Despite the perceived risk, Penn athletic director Steve Bilsky is not concerned.

"Jerome has lots of experience. He has a lifetime of experience," Bilsky said. "Jerome understands the game as much as anyone I've been with. I think his best days are ahead of him."

Bilsky conducted a thorough search for a coach over the last few weeks, a process that reportedly included a talk with Cornell's Steve Donahue. Allen said he welcomed the competition, but always hoped he would get the opportunity to revive his alma mater.

"I've got to be honest, I was a little bit anxious, a little bit impatient, a little bit worried," Allen said. "But I knew I was going to be OK."

Over the last several weeks, Allen has prepared as if he would remain as the Quakers' head coach. Now he's looking ahead to brighter days.

"I can't wait until September to start rallying the troops," Allen said. "We will get it done. We will get it done."