ANTHONY ALLEN

Broken Arrow High School

Entering his final year in high school, Anthony Allen knew he wanted to play college basketball. The only question was what school would best match his dreams. Allen found his match at Northeastern State University.

“From the first time I came on campus, it felt like home,” said the 2022 graduate of Broken Arrow High School. “Now after two years of being here, I’m convinced I made the right decision.”

Known to his teammates on the RiverHawks men’s basketball team as “A-A”, Allen is quiet and reserved but when he steps onto the floor at the NSU Event Center, the fire to achieve success is evident to everyone.

“Whenever I step on to the basketball court, the only thing that matters to me is doing everything I can to help our team win every day, in practice and in the games,” said the RiverHawks sophomore whose favorite player is NBA All-Pro Russell Westbrook because of his all out effort to succeed.

For the RiverHawks player who wears the number-5 jersey, NSU has a couple more reasons for Anthony Allen to cherish the college experience.

“Tahlequah offers plenty of options for things to do beyond the classroom or on the basketball court,” he said with appreciation of the support he’s received from the local community. “And of course, it’s close enough that I can see my family at our games. When I hear them cheering for me, I’m encouraged to play my best.”

Inspired to “take care of business” by his father, Kali, Allen carries his desire to be his best to the classroom as he pursues a degree in Health and Human Performance.

“That’s another advantage of being here at NSU. I’m able to take advantage of a blended schedule of classes through on-line and in-person opportunities that affords me the best way to get my classwork done on time,” Allen said with a voice of conviction and appreciation. “Even with the on-line classes, I can have a one-on-one relationship with professors because just like coach, my instructors want me to succeed.”