Hating Grayson Allen is a 'you' problem

By Ben Swain

Don't worry. This isn't a story about "Grayson Allen's redemption", or his growth from a scrappy bench player to arch-villain to senior captain. This isn't even about Grayson Allen. It's about you.

You HATE Grayson Allen, and to be completely fair, that was well justified a season ago. Or even the season before that. That tends to happen to players who cross the line and take competition beyond the whistle and into the realm of being "dirty". There's no denying that Allen deserved every "boo" that you yelled at him. He took it too far on several occasions and brought all of it on himself. Sure, you probably disliked him anyway because he wears D-U-K-E on his jersey, and as discussed on the Tri-Partisan podcast, he has a certain…appearance. But he really gave you a reason to let it all out. An honest, legitimate reason to hate him.

But what about now?

Last night in Chicago, some of the best college players on the planet were going through player introductions to polite applause while the crowd was still getting settled in. The the United Center erupted in boos when it was Allen's turn, almost a full year after he was suspended and stripped of his captaincy for a third incident involving kicking or tripping. Think about that for a second. Fans couldn't be moved to do more than clap a couple of times for 2018 NBA lottery picks, but they let Allen have it. They weren't going to miss that chance.

And for what reason? Because he swung his leg at a guy a year ago?

Despite the welcome, Allen played remarkable basketball. He scored 37 points on 20 shots. He was 7-11 from three point range, and 8-8 from the line. In fact, he's played remarkable basketball in all three games, averaging 25.7 points per game and shooting 65% from beyond the arc. He's under complete control on both ends of the court, understanding his role as a shooter instead of a slasher.

Allen's eight free throws on Tuesday night were his only attempts of the season so far, and six of them came from being hit on the arm while shooting a three. That's a reflection of his style, which has shifted from "attack the rim at all costs" to more of a catch and shoot type of game. Last night was Duke's second win against a power conference opponent when Allen attempts eight or more free throws, offering the conclusion that Duke overall is a better team when Allen doesn't look for contact on his way to the basket.

The transformation of Allen's game is what college basketball fans love about four-year players. And the clutch shooting and quick release he showed off last night is what casual fans love about watching future NBA players. Grayson Allen was the star player in a game between No. 1 and No. 2, and the biggest reaction of the night came on an accidental foul going for a steal.

There's no question about it, Allen is going to be a star this year. His game is different. His demeanor is different. His role is different. And because of that, his team is different. And no matter where he goes, he's going to get booed and fans are going to hate him. Only, there's no reason this time. Last year, and the year before, it was a Grayson Allen problem. This year, it's a "you" problem. And because of that, Grayson Allen is going to make a lot of people look bad.