Allen named head men's basketball coach

Averett University Director of Athletics Charles Harris announced the appointment of Roanoke native Jimmy Allen as head men’s basketball coach of the Cougars. He replaces Kirk Chandler, who resigned from the position in March.

“I am very pleased to have Jimmy join the Averett family,” Harris said. “He is a passionate, and knowledgeable coach who has had excellent mentors. He has a keen eye for detail and a genuine concern for the student-athlete’s development in all areas of college life. His impressive background has well prepared him for a successful head coaching career.”

Allen, who has over 11 years of collegiate coaching experience, was most recently the associate head men’s basketball coach at Division I Wofford College of the Southern Conference. Since 2002, he served on the Wofford staff under head coach Mike Young. In 2003 Allen helped guide the Terriers to a 14-win season against the nation’s toughest non-conference schedule, according to the RPI. It was the program’s most successful season since moving to the Division I level.

“I am very honored and excited about this opportunity,” Allen said. “Averett University is a school with vision and a commitment to success. I truly appreciate the confidence that President Pfau, Charles Harris, and the Averett community have shown in me.”

Prior to his stint at Wofford, Allen was assistant men’s basketball coach for six seasons at the Naval Academy under coaching legend Don DeVoe. Allen served on Devoe’s staff from 1996 to 2002 and assisted on teams that posted an average of 18 wins per year. He helped lead Navy to Patriot League Championships and NCAA Tournament berths in 1997 and 1998. The Midshipmen enjoyed three 20-win seasons and a pair of 19-win seasons during Allen’s stay at Navy.

“I am very pleased for Jimmy and I am also very happy for Averett,” DeVoe said. “I think he is an outstanding basketball coach and an even greater individual. He worked for me at the U.S. Naval Academy for six seasons and his work was truly outstanding. He was very responsible for bringing young men to the Naval Academy that allowed us to continue our winning tradition. He was not only a great recruiter, but he was also very responsible for all of the things we were attempting to do with our basketball program.”

Allen earned his first coaching job as an assistant at his alma mater of Emory & Henry College from 1993 to 1996. He was offered a spot on the coaching staff after a very successful playing career under Bob Johnson. Allen was the starting point guard all four seasons and was a two-time team captain. He holds the school record for consecutive games played at 117 and is second among the Wasp all-time assist leaders.

Allen played in four consecutive NCAA Division III Tournaments, enjoyed four 20-win seasons, and made a pair of “Sweet 16” tournament appearances at Emory & Henry. He played his high school basketball at Northside High School under two-time Virginia High School Coach of the Year Bill Pope.

“I have been fortunate to have played and worked for some of the best coaches in the country,” Allen said. “I am grateful for all of their help and guidance in preparing me for this position. I also believe that my college experience provided me with a foundation to be successful. I am looking forward to having a chance to share my experiences and help the Averett University student-athletes improve as basketball players, but more importantly as people.”

Allen is a 1993 graduate of Emory & Henry with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and is married to the former Katie O’Neill, an Annapolis, MD native.