With the basketball season officially over for the Quakers, the Penn community has turned its attention to the search for the men’s basketball team’s new permanent coach. The clear frontrunner? Interim coach Jerome Allen, who took over mid-season after Glen Miller was fired Dec. 14.
If Penn decides to hire Allen, we would support the choice.
In the short time Allen has been interim coach, he has revitalized the existing fan base and improved attitudes toward the basketball program across the community. Allen — a one-time outstanding player on the team himself — has a strong connection to Penn that is much needed after the community of basketball fans weakened under Miller.
Furthermore, Allen’s strong relationship with the players makes him an ideal pick to lead the team. He has received an outpouring of support among the current team members, as well as from other coaches who know him well. And at least five of the team’s seven committed recruits would approve of his hiring. Selecting Allen would reduce instability in the recruiting process and reassure the class of 2014 that it will receive strong guidance and coaching.
Yes, the Quakers still had a losing season under Allen’s direction. But it’s hard to come into a bad situation, and he hasn’t had a full year to really prove himself. When making its decision, Penn should consider the opinions of students and athletes — not just wins and losses. And one thing Allen certainly doesn’t lack is support.
