Local Allen ‘triplets’ give Stanford bright future despite Pac-12 tourney ouster

By Case Keefer (contact)

Friday, March 13, 2015 | 2 a.m.

The Allen twins from Las Vegas have evolved into the Allen triplets from Las Vegas.

Marcus Allen and Malcolm Allen, two of the best players in the state while at Centennial High, joined Rosco Allen, a former Bishop Gorman standout, when they committed to Stanford two years ago. Although the Centennial pair holds no relation to Rosco Allen, the brotherly bit became a running gag perpetuated by their Cardinal teammates.

“We tell people I just stick out a little bit,” deadpanned Rosco Allen, a Hungarian-born forward who doesn’t quite pass for a third identical sibling to the pair of African-American guards.

The consensus is that Stanford will miss the NCAA Tournament after falling to Utah 80-56 in the quarterfinal round of the Pac-12 tournament Thursday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. But the Cardinal could return to their Sweet 16-form from a year ago in no time, and will perhaps enter this year’s NIT as one of the favorites, with a promising young core that contains the trio of locals.

Sophomore Malcolm Allen is redshirting this season after suffering a broken wrist, but both sophomore Marcus Allen and junior Rosco Allen started the majority of the Cardinal’s games including each of the last two in front of their hometown.

“I don’t want to give up on this season in any manner but we have a lot to look forward to this summer and build toward,” Rosco Allen said.

Even though he’s officially listed as a junior, Rosco Allen has two years of eligibility remaining after the NCAA granted him a medical hardship waiver last season. He missed all except one game with a stress fracture in his shin, which made for a challenging situation.

The rehab was no issue, but Rosco Allen struggled mentally after having never endured that long of a stretch away from basketball since he started playing as a child. Last season also took some adjusting for Marcus Allen, who went from Nevada’s Gatorade Player of the Year to the fourth guy off of the bench.

But he felt the experience, especially learning from star seniors Chasson Randle and Anthony Brown, helped him learn in a variety of areas.

“I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Marcus Allen said. “Last year’s Sweet 16 was awesome and we had big wins this year so I think it’s been good and it’s only going to get better.”

The two active Allens each had their moments against the Utes. Marcus Allen stepped in the middle of a passing lane for a steal on Utah’s second possession and raced down to the other end of the court for a layup.

Rosco Allen shook off a defender and drained a three for Stanford’s next points. During a 10-0 run that gave the Cardinal a 39-34 halftime lead, Rosco Allen slashed to the basket and converted a contested layup.

Later, Rosco Allen zipped a pass to Marcus Allen under the basket for his only assist.

“It’s great playing with someone from Vegas you can relate to,” Marcus Allen said. “I’ve known him since middle school. I think we jell pretty well. He likes to run and I like to run so it’s always fun to play with him.”

The loss also exhibited that the two aren’t quite finished products, as they’ll openly attest.

Rosco Allen, who finished with five points and two rebounds, passed on an open jumper after missing a couple only to get a layup blocked during Utah’s decisive 14-3 run at the start of the second half. He said his top priority was developing a more consistent midrange game.

Marcus Allen, who had eight points, committed two turnovers during the same slide. The first thing he mentioned wanting to improve after the game was ball handling.

Of course, Stanford wouldn’t have gotten to play the extra night if it wasn’t for Marcus Allen making a momentous play Wednesday night. Trailing by one to Washington with less than 10 seconds left, Marcus Allen soared in from the baseline to poach an offensive rebound that he kicked back out to set up a game-winning shot from Randle.

The effort was no surprise to Stanford coach Johnny Dawkins, who has called Marcus Allen the team’s spark all season.

“What he brings to our team is tenacity,” Dawkins said. “He’s going to be relentless when he’s out there. He’s one of those guys that you look at him, and he never seems to be tired. And you like that about him, the energy he brings.”

The board he corralled was off of a missed field goal attempt from Rosco Allen, leading Randle to joke that Marcus Allen saved his “twin.” The comment may have confused anyone just looking at the roster, a reaction that would have given all the Allens great satisfaction.

“It’s going to be even worse when Malcolm comes back,” Marcus Allen warned.

Case Keefer can be reached at 948-2790 or [email protected]. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer.