Mizzou Meets Miami: A Personal Reunion on the Court
ST. LOUIS — Mizzou is gearing up for an exciting game against Miami (Fla.). This match carries special weight, as both teams are connected through former players and coaches.
Charlton “C.Y.” Young, an assistant coach at Miami, used to work with Mizzou’s head coach, Dennis Gates. Miami guard Tre Donaldson played alongside Anthony Robinson II in high school, while Tru Washington from Miami shared the court with Trent Pierce at AZ Compass Prep in Phoenix.
A particularly notable reunion involves Marcus Allen. After just one season at Mizzou, Allen transferred to Miami. Growing up just a short drive from the university, he has a strong homecoming story. Initially, he struggled with playing time at Mizzou, averaging just 9.2 minutes per game. At Miami, however, he thrived, boasting an average of 19.2 minutes in the first eight games this season.
Then, the unexpected happened. On December 19, Miami announced that Allen would be sidelined for the season due to Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. “It was scary,” C.Y. Young shared, reflecting on the impact of the diagnosis.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) affects many, and survival rates can differ based on various factors. The American Cancer Society indicates that the five-year survival rate for NHL is around 74%. This means most patients live at least five years post-diagnosis, shedding some light on a very serious situation.
Young emphasized the importance of support during difficult times. “God works in mysterious ways. It’s better to be home while dealing with a serious health issue,” he said. Being near family and friends can provide comfort, especially during treatment.
Allen has expressed gratitude for the support he’s received: “It allows me to understand that you’re not in this alone.” He’s been flexible with practice, attending when he feels up to it. When Miami had a public practice at the Enterprise Center, Allen participated in drills, showing his determination.
“I feel like I can go out there and play,” he said, showcasing his enthusiasm. While he’ll stay on the bench for the duration of Miami’s run in the tournament, both he and Young confirm he plans to return to the court next season. Allen is nearing the end of his treatment, eager to continue his journey: “It’s been a long journey, but it’s gonna come to an end soon.”
Stories like Allen’s highlight resilience and the importance of community support during challenging times. For more details on his journey, including a crowdfunding campaign to help with medical expenses, check out his GoFundMe page.
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