Atkinson admitted that typically Allen doesn’t get sufficient reward, even from the teaching employees. That shine typically goes to Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Darius Garland — the higher-profile members of Cleveland’s celebrated Core 4. Allen isn’t bothered by it. A unusual plant dad, avid reader, pant tailor and cat lover, Allen prefers to be out of the highlight. “I don’t really feel like I actually need folks to pump me up,” Allen instructed cleveland.com. “I used to feel underappreciated. But the appreciation comes from the people who matter the most — everyone in this locker room.” -via Cleveland Plain Dealer / December 30, 2024