A Goodbye Letter to Senior Kadeem Allen, Thanks for the Memories

Goodbyes are hard to bear, and as fans, we often grow too attached to players. That is why the departure of senior Kadeem Allen after he graduates is especially difficult.

He is one of the perhaps few unsung heroes in that special 2014 recruiting class. You, Kadeem Allen, have been the glue to hold it all together for Arizona Basketball this season.

In this day and age, where commitment is used as nothing more than just a word, you have stood tall, and leave Tucson as an excellent representative of this University, an Arizona Basketball player. Also, you leave as one of the many greats to have played in McKale.

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Once a three-star prospect out of Hutchinson Community College in Kansas, not many knew what to expect with your arrival to Tucson. However, since you have stepped foot on the court, we have been pleasantly surprised.

Your grit, your tenacity, your toughness, and your overall embodiment of ‘Bearing Down,’ is what has stood our the most. Now, three years after your arrival, we are saddened to see our time with you come to a bittersweet ending.

The stats may not say it, but your impact on the game goes beyond what was ever recorded on a stat sheet. What you brought, night-in-and-night-out cannot easily be measured or replicated. But to Wildcat fans, we truly know your worth!

Dec 10, 2016; Columbia, MO, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Kadeem Allen (5) reacts after a play during the second half of the game against the Missouri Tigers at Mizzou Arena. Arizona won 79-60. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /

You have pushed through some ups and downs in your collegiate career, but ultimately you persevered. Once regarded as the National Junior College Athletic Association player of the year, it must have been tough sitting on the sideline, awaiting your turn that entire first year.

Coming to Tucson may not have been the easiest choice, but since your arrival, you have made sacrifices.

Thousands of miles away from home, and your precious newborn, and although we will never get to see you help us get to College Basketball’s “promised land”, we thank you immensely for your efforts.

As you embark on your journey outside of Tucson, we can’t help but look back on the many memories you have given us.

You are a warrior, a champion, and with your determination, you will be successful in whatever you do. We hope Lil’ Wayne Weezy (aka Young Money/APAA) will help you make your dreams come true.

pic.twitter.com/gav3bKXChO
— Lil Wayne WEEZY F (@LilTunechi) April 4, 2017

The fighting Bear Down Spirit now lives in you and you are destined for greatness!

Jan 29, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Kobi Simmons (2) guard Allonzo Trier (35) forward Lauri Markkanen (10) guard Kadeem Allen (5) and guard Rawle Alkins (1) (left to right) huddle during the second half against the Washington Huskies at McKale Center. Arizona won 77-66. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

Feb 25, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats head coach Sean Miller talks to guard Kadeem Allen (5) before the first half against the UCLA Bruins at McKale Center. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 7, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Kadeem Allen (5) celebrates after scoring against the Colorado Buffaloes during the first half at McKale Center. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

March 18, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Arizona Wildcats Arizona Wildcats guard Kadeem Allen (5) and head coach Sean Miller react during the 69-60 victory against the Saint Mary’s Gaels second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

March 18, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Kadeem Allen (5) scores a basket against the Saint Mary’s Gaels during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 12, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils guard Tra Holder (0) shoots the ball as Arizona Wildcats guard Kadeem Allen (5) defends during the first half at McKale Center. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

Feb 23, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Kadeem Allen (5) shoots the ball as Southern California Trojans forward Bennie Boatwright (25) defends during the second half at McKale Center. Arizona won 90-77. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

Mar 23, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Rawle Alkins (1) celebrates with guard Kadeem Allen (5) in the first half during the semifinals of the West Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament against the Xavier Musketeers at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

Mar 23, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Kadeem Allen (5) is defended by Xavier Musketeers guard J.P. Macura (55) in the second half during the semifinals of the West Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

Mar 23, 2017; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Kadeem Allen (5) defends against Xavier Musketeers guard Trevon Bluiett (5) during the second period in the semifinals of the West Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Xavier Musketeers defeated the Arizona Wildcats 73-71. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

Mar 11, 2017; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Arizona Wildcats head coach Sean Miller embraces guard Rawle Alkins (1) after the Wildcats defeated the Oregon ducks 83-80 in the Pac-12 Conference Championship game at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

March 18, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Kadeem Allen (5) scores a basket against Saint Mary’s Gaels forward Calvin Hermanson (24) during the second half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

March 16, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Kadeem Allen (5) moves to the basket against the North Dakota Fighting Hawks during the second half in the first round of the NCAA tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Mar 9, 2017; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Kadeem Allen (5) moves with the ball against the Colorado Buffaloes during the second half during the Pac-12 Conference Tournament at T-Mobile Arena. Arizona won 92-78. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports

Must Read: AP All-Time Top 100 ranks Arizona Basketball in the Top 10 in their Annual Poll

At Zona Zealots, and on behalf of Arizona Basketball fans everywhere, we cannot thank you enough for your time here! We wish you the best, and as always, Bear Down, Kadeem!

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A Good Luck Letter to Senior Kadeem Allen, Thanks for the Memories

By Eric Townsend | Apr 4, 2017

Goodbyes are hard to bear, and as fans, we often grow too attached to players. That is why the departure of senior Kadeem Allen after he graduates is especially difficult.