URGENT UPDATE: Miami sophomore forward Marcus Allen has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and will miss the remainder of the season, the University of Miami announced today. This devastating news follows routine medical tests that revealed the illness, prompting immediate action from both the team and Allen’s family.
The cancer diagnosis has sent shockwaves through the Coral Gables community, where Allen has made his mark as a promising athlete. The Miami native, who transferred from Missouri, averaged 5.3 points and 3.1 rebounds in just 19 minutes of play this season. He has already commenced chemotherapy treatments, a crucial step in his battle against this serious disease.
Miami’s head coach Jai Lucas expressed profound support for Allen, stating, “Marcus is an incredible person and teammate, and we will do everything we can to support him and his amazing family during this difficult time. Marcus brings toughness and selflessness to our locker room every day and those same qualities will help him defeat this disease.” Lucas reassured fans that the entire program will rally around Allen as he prioritizes his health.
Allen, who was a consensus four-star recruit, led Miami Norland High to a state championship in 2024, averaging an impressive 22.7 points and 13.2 rebounds per game. He was also selected for the prestigious Allen Iverson Classic All-American game and was a key player in leading AZ Compass Prep to the title match at the Geico Nationals in 2023.
In a heartfelt statement, Allen’s family expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support, saying, “We want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers during an extremely difficult time for our family. We thank God for His continued Grace, Mercy, and Favor. We wait in anticipation for the miracle healing to take place. We are standing on FAITH.”
As the situation evolves, fans and supporters are encouraged to keep Allen and his family in their thoughts. The Miami Hurricanes organization is expected to provide further updates on Allen’s condition and recovery in the coming weeks. This critical moment serves as a reminder of the resilience needed in the face of adversity and the power of community support.
