Jerome Allen acknowledges Penn is taking a chance. He even called it an ``unbelievable risk.''
But Allen says the greatest gambles sometimes result in the richest payoffs.
``I feel like I'm living a dream,'' an emotional Allen said Wednesday as he was introduced as Penn's basketball coach after serving in an interim role for most of last season. ``It's always been about family.''
A two-time Ivy League Player of the Year, Allen was a four-year starter who led the Quakers to three straight league titles in the 1990's. The Philadelphia native spent two seasons in the NBA and more than a decade playing in Europe before being hired as an assistant at Penn last summer.
After an 0-7 start, Penn fired Glen Miller on Dec. 14 and made Allen interim coach. The Quakers went 6-15 the rest of the way, including a 79-64 victory over Ivy League champ Cornell.
The win over the Big Red - who went 13-1 in conference play and later reached the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament - showed that Allen might be the man for the job.
``It just showed glimpses of what we could accomplish if we play together,'' said Allen, whose team was hobbled by injuries for much of the season. ``We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I'm up to the challenge.''
Allen, 37, worked as a player/coach in Italy but has never been a full-time college coach. Despite the perceived risk, Penn athletic director Steve Bilsky is not concerned.
``Jerome has lots of experience. He has a lifetime of experience,'' Bilsky said. ``Jerome understands the game as much as anyone I've been with. I think his best days are ahead of him.''
Bilsky conducted a thorough search for a coach over the last few weeks, a process that reportedly included a talk with Cornell's Steve Donahue. Allen said he welcomed the competition, but always hoped he would get the opportunity to revive his alma mater.
``I've got to be honest, I was a little bit anxious, a little bit impatient, a little bit worried,'' Allen said. ``But I knew I was going to be OK.''
Over the last several weeks, Allen has prepared as if he would remain as the Quakers' head coach. Now he's looking ahead to brighter days.
``I can't wait until September to start rallying the troops,'' Allen said. ``We will get it done. We will get it done.''
