Dontaie Allen talks injury recovery and potential redshirt

Dontaie Allen has been an interesting talking point when it comes to the 2019-2020 men’s basketball team.

Allen is the Wildcat’s first in-state player to both receive a scholarship and commit to UK since Dominique Hawkins and Derek Willis in 2013. Since his announcement, it’s been a roller coaster of a time for the Falmouth native.

After starting his senior season strong, Allen tore his ACL during a game and later broke his collarbone in a car accident. Even after winning Mr. Kentucky Basketball, Allen has spent all summer working towards a full recovery.

Ben Roberts talked with Allen in an interview for the Lexington Herald Leader, and Pendleton County’s finest opened up about his journey with Kentucky so far and gave a look into where he’s at in his recovery process as well as what he thinks about a possible redshirt decision.

“It’s getting there. I’m not sure when I’m going to be back, but I’m working at it,” said Allen about his knee.

His collarbone is fully healed, but an ACL surgery comes with a long recovery back to 100%. After working out as a non-contact participant all summer long, Allen is trending in a great direction to be back on the floor at some point this season. With that said, there’s still no timetable to determine when that would eventually be.

As for the potential redshirt option, Allen at least recognizes it.

“It hasn’t been brought up, but if it happens, it happens,” said Allen.

With that said, he seemingly wants to avoid that route. Earlier on in the year, he said he had “no intention” of redshirting. While easing up on that stance as his recovery has progressed, Allen is chomping at the bit to make his Wildcat debut.

Allen may end up being one of Kentucky’s best shooters, and with three-point shooting always seeming to be something that’s lacking at some point throughout the season, his return and contribution will be more than anticipated and welcomed.

But Allen has to do what’s right for his health and his future, though, and it’s doubtful Calipari or his staff will speed him into action at the start of the year if he’s just not ready. It may take some time, but Kentucky fans should be excited to see a player that’s both incredibly well rounded on and off the floor as well as one of their own take the floor, when he’s healthy, this season.