Dante Allen, the No. 62-ranked prospect in the 2025 class, has committed to Villanova live on 247Sports YouTube channel.
The 6-foot-4, 220-pound combo guard from Miami, Fla. chose the Wildcats over Tennessee and Georgia.
Allen’s father, Malik Allen, starred at Villanova from 1996-2000 before a ten-year playing career in the NBA that ultimately led to a coaching career in the NBA. He is currently an assistant coach for the Miami Heat.
“Villanova is a place I could see myself at school-wise,” Allen said. “I enjoyed being there and I enjoyed the feeling basketball-wise. I know they loved me for a really long time since they offered me a little before my sophomore year. Through that time I saw how a lot of things I do can be translated there. They’ve been able to see that in my game and they have a really good development plan there for me.
“I also like the guys they have there too. They’re definitely guys I can see myself with on and off the court. Also, the way they play is something I liked. They play really hard and they don’t make anything easy. It’s going to help them a lot when it comes to real games during the season.”
RELATED: Scouting Dante Allen and his fit at Villanova
Allen said that head coach Kyle Neptune‘s plan for him next season at Villanova and his fit within the system overall was appealing to him. The Wildcats plan on using Allen both on and off the ball next season and want him to play his game.
“He sees me being a high usage guard whether that’s on or off the ball,” Allen said. “A lot of the things they saw from me translate to being a Villanova guard. They see me with the ball in my hands being able to set up guys and make plays for myself and others. They also want me to play to my strengths instead of transforming me into a player I’m not.”
Allen valued the effort head Coach Neptune made during his recruitment process.
“Coach Neptune recruited me himself and that was one of the things I looked for with the schools recruiting me,” Allen told 247Sports. “He was not shy about that and I heard from him all the time. He was one of the first people I talked to from Villanova. He was real energetic about the school and honest about how they were doing. Whenever he came to watch a game he was very enthusiastic about me and always enjoyed watching me play. He was easy to build a relationship with and he built a relationship with my family too. It wasn’t just getting me because I’m a good basketball player but they wanted me and my family to be a part of the Villanova family.”
What can Villanova fans expect from Allen?
“They’re going to be really good this year but next year they’re getting another player who wants to win and will do a lot to make that happen,” Allen explained. “They’re getting someone that’s eager to play and excited to take that next step and bring Villanova basketball back to where it was a few years ago.”
