Fansided

UNC’s Roy Williams thinks Duke’s Grayson Allen gets a bad rap

By Brad Washington

Jan 10, 2017; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Grayson Allen (3) looks on from the court during the first half against the Florida State Seminoles at the Donald L. Tucker Center. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2017; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Grayson Allen (3) looks on from the court during the first half against the Florida State Seminoles at the Donald L. Tucker Center. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports /
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Roy Williams comes to the defense of Duke Star Grayson Allen.

Duke star Grayson Allen has practically lived under scrutiny for a month-and-a-half. Not that it wasn’t warranted. Allen tripped an Elon player on December 21, which gained him a one-game suspension. While it was actually supposed to be an indefinite suspension, Allen was back after one game as aforementioned.

Thus, the microscope for Allen’s on-court behavior became a necessity. Instances of Allen tripping a player, whether on purposefully or not, brings about discussion. There was even speculation on whether or not Allen pushed a Florida State assistant coach.

Ironically, though, Allen found an ally in North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams. Williams and his Tar Heels of course are fierce rivals of Allen and his Blue Devils. But for Williams to support Allen, arguably the most hated basketball player since J.J. Redick, says a lot for Allen.

Via CBS Sports.com

"Amid the scrutiny, Allen has apparently found a voice of support from an unlikely backer.Ahead of Thursday night’s Tobacco Road rivalry game between North Carolina and Duke, Tar Heels coach Roy Williams shared his thoughts on Allen’s situation, calling the scrutiny “way, way, way blown out of proportion,” via the News & Observer.“I see him trying to get over a screen and everybody here try it,” Williams said. “You put all your weight on one foot, what does your other leg do? It goes back. So I see all those things. I think he’s a wonderful kid who he himself, and Mike Krzyzewski himself, has said has made some mistakes.”"

Despite the missteps, Allen is still having a solid season. He’s averaging 15.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game. But, despite his contributions, Allen must be careful of his on-court behavior. If not, a harsher, more stiffer penalty could come.