ISU's NBA hook-ups reeled in Spartan guard

AMES -- Chris Allen thinks he can play in the NBA someday.

He thinks Fred Hoiberg and Jeff Grayer, Iowa State men's basketball coaches and ex-pros, can help him get there. The former Michigan State guard announced Friday he would finish his college career in Ames.

“That was one of the major factors for me. That's a long-term dream of mine,” Allen said.

Allen will redshirt this year and has only the 2011-12 season to play. He chose ISU over Texas-El Paso, his other top choice.

“It came down to picking the best spot for me and a place where I feel comfortable,” Allen told The Gazette Friday. “Coach Hoiberg's experience in the NBA, as well as coach Grayer's -- both those guys played guard in the NBA. I definitely want to be a guy who does that.”

Allen's now former coach, Tom Izzo, thinks he's got the stuff to do it.

The 6-3, 205-pounder has improved his defense greatly while his offensive game has remained strong. Allen averaged 8.2 points a game last season and his 141 career 3-pointers ranks 10

“When I recruited him I thought he was a pro prospect and I still think he is,” Izzo said. “He's actually a better athlete than I thought he was. With a year off I think he'll turn out to be a heck of a player.”

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all-time in school history.