Chaney Named Gatorade Player of the Year
Allan Chaney has been named the 2007-08 Gatorade Boys Basketball Player of the Year in the state of Connecticut. Award winners are not only selected for their accomplishments on the court, but also for their academic achievement and exceptional character.
The University of Florida bound forward led New London to a 24-2 record before falling in the Class L semifinals to eventual champion Maloney High School. Chaney averaged 26 points, 15 rebounds, 4 blocks, 3 assists, and 2 steals per game this year. He also shot 63 percent from the floor and 73 percent from the free-throw line.
But as good as Chaney was for the Whaler’s, it was his outburst last spring and summer that eventually led him to the University of Florida.
At this time 12 months ago, he was certainly a high level recruit, with scholarship offers from several schools in the Atlantic 10 as well as the Big East’s Providence College. But when Chaney shined at Reebok’s Headliner Tryout Camp, consequently earning himself an invitation to the prestigious RBK U, he knew he had a chance to prove himself against the nation’s best. And prove himself he did, as his explosion at the national camp gained him instant attention from some of the country’s most prestigious division I schools.
Almost instantaneously schools like Florida, Indiana, Ohio State, Virginia, Texas A & M, and a host of others were all in hot pursuit of the talented forward. Ultimately, he decided to sign with Billy Donavon and the two time defending national champion Florida Gators.
This year, New England will again host one of Reebok’s Headliner Tryout Camps. The event is set for May 17th & 18th at the Mansfield Sportsplex Massachusetts. For more information please visit www.prepchamps.com.
Allan Chaney