SEC Media Days report

Allen puts it together for Gators

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Florida guard KeVaughn Allen lets his game do most of the talking, but he made an appearance at SEC media days this week.

“I’m comfortable with the media now,” Allen said. “I don’t have a problem doing interviews.”

Allen, a junior from North Little Rock, was voted to the All-SEC first team in a media poll after averaging a teamhigh 14.0 points last season along with 2.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists for Florida’s 27-9 team that lost to South Carolina in the NCAA East Regional final. He scored a career-high 35 points against Wisconsin in a Sweet 16 matchup and made the allregional team.

“I know KeVaughn gets some notoriety, but I think he’s still one of the more under-appreciated guys in college basketball,” Florida Coach Michael White said. “I really don’t know why.

“Maybe because he’s quiet? I’m not sure. But he’s had huge games against good teams and he’s still got a couple years left to continue to build his brand.

“He’s a pleasure to coach every day.”

Allen said he’s not worried about not getting as much credit as he deserves for his play.

“It just makes me work harder,” he said.

Allen said being voted to the All-SEC first team is a nice honor.

“I feel pretty good about it,” he said. “I’ve just got to keep working to make it come true.”

White said Allen came to Florida with the ability to score, but has improved his conditioning, expanded his game and become tougher mentally and physically.

“I wouldn’t have categorized KeVaughn as a real tough guy early on,” White said. “He had some toughness, but now he’s become very tough. He’s just become a little bit older and wiser.”

White said Allen now does “more dirty work” for the Gators in terms of defending and rebounding on a consistent basis.

“He’s starting to lead a little bit, too,” White said. “He’s become more vocal. He’s just become a better all-around player. He’s terrific.”