"Ready for the Call, Built for the Fight"

JT Allen

@JTAllen33

IG: @jtallen_87

6'5, 230lbs, Class of ’28

Maryville HS, TN

JT is one of those pieces every loaded team needs to survive the grind. Big body with no fear of contact. He steps into his role with confidence and gives Maryville real, meaningful minutes as a stretch 4 who can rebound through traffic, make shots when defenses sag, and punish mismatches inside. When rotations shift, the Rebels don’t lose physicality or presence. JT keeps the engine steady, gives the frontcourt breathers, and makes sure nothing softens when he’s on the floor. His game starts with his shooting touch and ball handling for his size, but what separates him now is how his body has caught up to his mindset. Over the last 12 months, he committed fully to the weight room and reshaped himself, jumping from 195lbs at 18% body fat to a powerful 230lbs at 10%. That work didn’t just add muscle, but changed how he plays. Once viewed strictly as a stretch option raining threes, JT now welcomes contact, holds his ground on the block, and plays through bodies while still stepping out comfortably. He’s harder to move, harder to guard, and harder to ignore.

Last season, varsity minutes were limited, with most of his floor time coming on JV and freshman levels, and no stats were recorded. But the growth didn’t need a stat sheet to be noticed. Coaches saw it in how he handled physical matchups, how he stayed ready, and how he absorbed lessons without forcing the moment. The biggest improvement has been strength, and with it came confidence, the confidence to play with his back to the basket, confidence to bang inside, and confidence to embrace the dirty work.

Speed and explosiveness remain the focus moving forward, knowing that quickness will unlock even more on both the basketball court and football field. JT has fully bought into development, understanding that consistency in the weight room fuels everything else. That belief shows in how he competes, how he stays locked in, and how he constantly looks to lift the players around him with smart reads and steady decision-making.

Being a Maryville kid runs deep. Wearing the red and black isn’t just a jersey, it’s family, history, and pride. From serving as a football ball boy since 3rd grade to growing up around older players who made him feel like he mattered, JT carries the Rebels' identity with him every time he steps on the floor. The fire burns hottest when Alcoa is on the other side, because some rivalries are personal.

What fuels him most is battling alongside teammates he’s grown up with. Baseball, football, basketball, the same faces, the same friendships, the same competitive edge built over years. He feeds off shared moments, momentum swings, and that feeling when everything starts clicking together and the group locks in as one.

Faith has played a defining role in shaping JT’s approach to the game and to life. After enduring 2 knee surgeries in 7th grade that sidelined him for over 8 months, he leaned on Christ through the grind of rehab and recovery. That season of adversity reshaped his perspective, grounding him in gratitude and urgency. He learned nothing is promised and every play deserves full commitment. His faith continues to guide how he handles setbacks and how he attacks opportunities.

Family sits at the core of who he is. Both parents were athletes at Maryville, with his dad serving as an assistant basketball coach and head softball coach. Growing up around the program created a deep respect for the work, the culture, and giving back. JT takes pride in carrying that forward and making sure younger kids feel valued the same way older players once did for him.

College interests have already started, primarily on the football side, with schools tracking his development closely. Basketball interest has risen as well, going back to AAU success with Pro One and FBC Reign, including a Silver bracket championship at the Under Armour Nationals. JT’s goal is to keep working, keep competing, and earn the chance to play at the next level. Sports have shaped him, challenged him, and helped build the person he’s becoming.

I assess that JT offers real value through strength, floor balance, and role acceptance. His physical growth allows him to battle inside, space the floor, and give a deep roster dependable minutes without a drop off. Coaches trust players like this because they stabilize lineups and do what’s needed to win.

As speed and explosiveness continue to improve, JT’s impact will only expand. Expect steady progression, increased confidence, and a player who keeps earning opportunities through effort, toughness, and team-first play. His foundation that's built on faith, family, and work, gives him staying power. JT is only scratching the surface of how good he can become. Remember the name and buckle up, y'all, for a fun ride. Stay tuned.