Celtics Champ Delivers Inspiring Talk to UConn Men’s Basketball Team
On Saturday, the UConn Huskies men’s basketball team welcomed a special visitor: Ray Allen, a former Huskies star and Boston Celtics NBA champion. This meeting took place following UConn’s impressive victory over Illinois, advancing their season record to 6-1 and placing them at No. 5 in the rankings.
Celtics Champion Ray Allen Inspires UConn Players
Ray Allen addressed the players in their locker room, sharing insights drawn from his illustrious career. He underscored the importance of gratitude and reminded them how precious these moments are. “It’s a privilege for us to be here,” he stated, emphasizing his ongoing commitment to support the UConn program.
Ray Allen’s Basketball Journey
Allen’s basketball career is rooted in his time at UConn, where he played from 1993 to 1996. As a freshman, he achieved All-Big East honors. However, it was during his junior year that he garnered national recognition.
- Led UConn to the Elite Eight
- Averaged 21.2 points per game
- Received Big East Player of the Year and UPI Player of the Year awards
After excelling at UConn, Allen was selected as the fifth overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. He played six seasons with the Bucks and earned two All-Star selections, showcasing his scoring ability.
Achievements in the NBA
In 2003, Allen was traded to the Seattle SuperSonics, where he honed his three-point shooting, frequently leading the league in attempts and makes. His career peaked when he joined the Boston Celtics in 2007 alongside Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, leading to an NBA championship in 2008.
Later, as a free agent, he signed with the Miami Heat in 2012. Allen’s clutch performance in the 2013 Finals, particularly his pivotal corner three-pointer in Game 6 against the San Antonio Spurs, solidified his legacy, contributing to the Heat’s second consecutive title.
Legacy and Honors
- Career Points: 24,505
- All-Star Selections: 10
- Three-Pointers Made: 2,973
- Olympic Gold Medal: 2000
- Hall of Fame Induction: 2018
- Jersey Retired at UConn: 2019
- Ranked Third in NBA Three-Point History (as of 2025)
Retiring from the NBA in 2016, Ray Allen’s legacy as a pioneer of modern basketball longevity continues to influence players today. His approach to the game has left an indelible mark on the sport.
