ASHWAUBENON (NBC 26)-In what was supposed to be a rebuilding year, first-year head coach Devante Blanks has the Jaguars soaring to recent heights. It helps that Alabama four-star commit Amari Allen can carry the team on her back every night.
“He just lives and dies in basketball,” said Allen’s grandfather, Tom Servais. “Since first grade, he was always outside. He is never satisfied. He’s always trying to be better, and that’s really a trait in every athlete. Amari is really good at this.”
It all started when Allen was a toddler, learning to play basketball in the driveway with his grandfather.
Allen’s talent led him to the prestigious IMG Academy, where he competed against the best athletes in the country.
“When you’re here, you feel like you’re the best, but then you get there and kids come from all over the country,” Allen said. “It really helped me develop my body, my skill set, get stronger with the ball – every aspect of the game.”
This season, Allen decided to return home to spend his senior year with his family and younger brother. Playing for Ashwaubenon was a dream come true.
“Every game was packed,” Allen said. “Little kids coming to watch – that’s what I dreamed about growing up. Every kid wants to be a star athlete, so the opportunity to be a star athlete is really cool.”
However, being a star comes with external noise.
“I know as soon as I miss that first shot, it will be the ‘overrated’ chant. “I think we played 13 games, so I probably heard it about 18 or 20 times.”
Allen’s grandfather became accustomed to clamorous singing and intense environments.
“I tell myself before every game to enjoy it, but it’s hard because I want him to do well,” Servais said. “I’m proud of him, but there’s so much pressure on him. It’s quite an atmosphere.”
Servais has a front-row seat to Allen’s basketball career.
“From elementary school to now, I don’t think he’s ever missed a game,” Allen said. “In fact, he’s usually there an hour and a half early – sometimes two hours early.”
From attending games to early mornings at the gym, basketball has become associated with those.
“We go to Ashwaubenon High School every morning at 5:45,” Servais said. “Coach Blanks opens the gym – many times just for me and Amari – and we’re out there in the cold or whatever.”
Servais cherishes these moments before Allen begins his next chapter in Tuscaloosa with the Crimson Tide.
“Sometimes I just pinch myself,” Servais said. “You always think your kid will be great, and Amari and I have been together since he was little. I was in his life, training him, practicing with him. It was a special time for me, watching it grow. “
Allen doesn’t think the distance will keep his grandfather from attending Alabama basketball games.
“Keeps me teenage and tired, but I’ll try to get to all the games, you know for sure,” Servais said.
