According to travelmath.com, the highway distance from Brooklyn, New York, to Fullerton, Calif., is 2,784 miles.  So, how did Kyle Allman, Jr., from the High School for Construction Trades, Engineering, and Architecture, find his way onto the floor of historic Titan Gym and into the CSUF men's basketball record books? 

As Allman admitted in a 2019 Daily Titan article, "I wasn't heavily recruited.  I got interest from a lot of local places, but no one was offering."  That changed when Titan Head Coach Dedrique Taylor and former Assistant Coach John Smith received a video clip of Kyle's high school highlights, forwarded by Tippy, a family friend of the Allman's.  "(Kyle's) length, his athleticism, those things immediately jumped off the page," Taylor said at the time.

Kyle made an unofficial visit to the Fullerton campus, meaning that it was on his own dime.  "It was a pretty easy sell," Allman said.  "I was a 17-year-old kid who hadn't left the East Coast at the time.  So, seeing palm trees, nice weather year-round, a big campus, and a nice college facility – it was a no-brainer."

A 6'4" wing, "KJ" made an immediate impact as a freshman, averaging over 5 points as a key reserve.  By his sophomore season, Kyle was embedded in the Titan starting lineup.  During his junior year, Allman led the team in scoring with 19.5 points, earning consecutive All-District 9 recognition and All-Big West Conference First Team honors in 2017-18 and 2018-19.  Kyle explained, "I knew there was another level I could take things to.  We had a couple of older guys leaving, and the torch was open for someone to take it.  And I wanted it."

Kyle was especially crafty in his ability to draw fouls, and is atop the CSUF record book with 670 attempts from the charity stripe. 

With Allman, Khalil Ahmad, Austin Awosika, and future Golden State Warrior Jackson Rowe in the Fullerton lineup, the talented 2017-18 Titans would go on to deliver to Head Coach Dedrique Taylor his first Big West Tournament championship and NCAA Tournament appearance.  Taylor would again win the Big West Tournament and return to the NCAA Tournament in 2022, the only head coach in CSUF men's basketball history to win two league tournament championships and make two NCAA Tournament trips.    

Reflecting on the 2018 Big West Tournament at Anaheim's Honda Center, Allman said, "I remember having a ton of nerves before the game to the point where I had to leave warm-ups to listen to music in the locker room to calm myself down. 
"It's crazy because a lot of my memories of that night aren't my points and things like that.  It's the other things:  The crowd was the best I had ever seen, and my mom surprised me and came all the way from New York.

"I recall seeing how intense my coaches were, and then people storming the court afterwards.  It was just incredible.  I remember someone pouring water on me before I got interviewed.  It was a special night.  I think the NCAA Tournament is every kid's dream.  It was cool to be part of March Madness." 

Kyle modestly failed to mention that he scored 26 points, hauled down six rebounds, and dished three assists, while shooting .500 from the floor in the Titans' 71-56 shellacking of UC Irvine, and was named the Big West Tournament MVP.   
When asked to name some of his favorite on-court memories, Allman replied, "That's a hard one, because there's really a ton."  Kyle was able to break it down to a top five:

• "My 40-point night at Hawaii (01/27/18) was my personal favorite."
• "Winning the Big West Tournament at the Honda Center (03/10/18) and fans storming the court."
• "Team Manager Sammy Jones getting in at the end of the Cal Poly game (02/28/19) and scoring on a three-point play."
• "Playing against Purdue in the NCAA Tournament in Detroit (03/16/18)." 
• "Khalil (Ahmad) scoring 40 points against Monmouth (11/18/18)."

Some of Allman's off-court pursuits included "Hanging out with the guys doing random things, or just being together playing video games, eating, or playing cards.  It was always a great time.  That's the biggest thing I miss."

Since turning pro during the 2019-20 season, "KJ" has made stops in Greece, Latvia, France, and Turkiye.  In July, Allman signed a contract with Turk Telecom, based in Ankara.  The team, with a 10.400 capacity arena, competes in the Turkish Basketball Super League.

About his foreign sojourns, Kyle said:  "I've enjoyed every place I've played.  I've been lucky to play in some big cities, and I've enjoyed trying different food.  Being able to see the world all because of a sport is incredible as well.
"Observing the cultural differences from America and some of these other countries, for better or worse, is cool too.  The hardest part is dealing with the time differences.  Figuring out gaps to talk with friends and family without staying up extra late to do so can be a challenge."

Allman added, "I keep in contact with a ton of people from my time at Fullerton.  It wouldn't be fair for me to thank one person or a couple of people, but I'm truly grateful to every player, coach, student manager, strength coach, physical trainer, and academic advisor.  Their help was invaluable, and I really want to thank them."

Coach Taylor added this:  "Kyle embodies everything that the Titans represent.  His development into a premier player in this conference was highlighted by his extreme work ethic.  He showed us what work looks like and what it can do for your growth and development over the long haul.  I am proud to be associated with what he was, what he is, and what he will become."

When in the U.S., Kyle spends time with his family in New York to unwind, but spends his summers training with friends in the Los Angeles area, including in historic Titan Gym.      
 
Honors

• B.A., Communications & Advertising, Cal State Fullerton - 2019
• NABC All-District 9, Second Team – 2018-19, 2017-18
• All-Big West Conference, First Team – 2018-19, 2017-18
• Big West Tournament MVP – 2018
• Big West Tournament Champions – 2018
• NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Appearance – 2018

CSUF Men's Basketball Career Records

• #1 – Free Throws Attempted – 670
• #2 – Free Throws Made – 532 (.771)
• #3 – Games Played – 127
• #3 – Minutes Played – 3,690
• #5 – Points – 1,680
• #6 – Field Goals Attempted – 1,225
• #8 – Field Goals Made – 532

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