Top-20 guard Marvel Allen commits to LSU

Marvel Allen, a 6-foot-4 combo guard out of West Palm Beach (Fla.) Calvary Christian has committed to LSU basketball for the class of 2023, he tells On3.

The junior guard selected the Tigers over Alabama, Arizona State, Georgia, Kansas, Maryland, Memphis, and Ohio State. The Florida native is LSU’s first commitment to the 2023 class. 

Feeling prioritized and LSU’s consistency played a big part in Allen’s decision

“Coach (Will) Wade and Coach (Kevin) Nickelberry have been to two of my games already,” Allen explained. “They both flew down to see me play in person. No other coach has done that. They were just keeping in contact with me, and they were actually talking to my parents every day. Not one day went by where they didn’t talk to me or my parents. Through all the games that I didn’t play well, they still showed the same support. I just felt like it was love. Me and my family prayed over it and we felt like this was the best decision.”

“It’s a reality now, as a kid I would dream about playing Division 1 basketball and now I’m living it. I’m just ready to get to work.”

Allen did his research on the Tigers’ program before making the pledge

“Just watching their games multiple times, learning their system, and how they play defense… I loved it. I fit well in their system, it’s one I can be comfortable in.”

The junior guard expects to have a large role as a freshman

“I’m coming in to start,” Allen said. “I can play the one or two, it doesn’t really matter. LSU plays team ball, and they share the ball well.”

What will Marvel Allen bring to the Tigers?

“A team player, that will do anything the coach needs for the team to win and be successful,” Allen responded. “I’m very unselfish and I’ll play hard every game. I can score the ball, defend 94-feet, so you’re getting an all-around game and a great character dude.”