University of Richmond Athletics
Spiders Announce Signing Of Allen And Taylor
12/05/2011 | Men's Basketball
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond men's basketball coach Chris Mooney announced the signing of Terry Allen (Houston, Texas) and Deion Taylor (New Orleans, La.) to National Letters of Intent during the early signing period.
“We are thrilled to welcome Terry and Deion to our program,” Mooney said. “Both players are extremely versatile and skilled. Terry has had an outstanding high school career and is a great rebounder and scorer. He has a very good sense for the game and works very hard. Deion is a great athlete who shoots the ball very well. He is an excellent defender and also knows the game very well. We look forward to their arrival and our trip to Italy next August.”
Allen is a 6-foot-8 forward from Manvel High School in Houston, where he averaged 21.2 points, 10.3 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game as a junior. Allen earned First-Team All-District and was selected to the Region 3 AAAA team as he led his team to a school record 22 wins. Allen, who is a preseason All-State selection this winter, was the district's Newcomer of the Year as a sophomore.
“The atmosphere was great and I really enjoyed the players and coaching staff,” Allen said. “I am looking forward to joining a winning program and contributing to more success for Richmond.”
“Terry is going to help keep your tradition going,” Manvel coach Greg Devers said. “Terry is an all-around player, he can play anywhere from point guard to post. He is the best ball handler in our district and can score from anywhere on court.”
Taylor is a 6-foot-6 forward from St. Augustine High School in New Orleans, La., where he averaged 11.5 points per game, 7.0 rebounds and 3.0 blocks as a junior when he helped lead his team to a 5A State Championship. He was named All-District as he helped lead his team to a 31-5 record and a No. 2 ranking in the state of Louisiana.
“I felt comfortable with the school, Coach Mooney, the coaching staff, the players and the environment,” Taylor said. “I like Richmond's style of basketball.”
“Deion is very athletic, he is a 6-foot-6 swingman who can score inside or out,” St. Augustine coach Cliff Barthe said. “He can knock down the outside shot and just flat out play. The biggest advantage is his lack of age, he won't be 18 until February of his freshmen year. He will be really exciting down the road.”