KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Spurgeon College Athletics is proud to announce that men's basketball alumnus Joseph Allen has signed a professional basketball contract with the Shepparton Gators of the Big V Basketball League in Shepparton, Australia, making him the first Spurgeon College athlete to sign a professional contract. Allen, a 6-foot-4 senior from Marshall, TX, completed his collegiate career with the Knights this past season and now takes his talents to the professional stage on the other side of the world.
Allen arrived at Spurgeon College from Marshall Christian Academy, where he was a NACA All-American, NACA Defensive Player of the Year, and his school's all-time leader in assists, blocks, double-doubles, triple-doubles, and quadruple-doubles. He came to Kansas City with a hunger to develop, and develop he did. Over his career at Spurgeon, Allen established himself as one of the most versatile and impactful players to wear a Knights uniform, earning honors that included the 2023 DCC Men's Basketball MVP, the 2022 DCC Defensive Player of the Year, NCCAA Southwest 2nd Team All-Region, and NCCAA Player of the Week. He also holds the DCC record for most blocks in a game with 7.
In his junior season (2024-25), Allen averaged 12.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 2.7 steals per game while appearing in 26 games and shooting 47.4% from the field. This past senior season, he continued to anchor the Knights' lineup as Spurgeon posted one of its most successful campaigns in program history, going 25-4 overall and 12-0 in conference play, with Allen serving as a key contributor at both ends of the floor.
"Joe came to Spurgeon and positioned himself well to achieve this dream. He found a school and a coach that believed in him and took advantage of that opportunity. This contract is a blessing for his work and dedication. He has used the talents God gave him and now is reaping the rewards. He has paved the way for many to follow. Congrats Joe!" - Logan Stutz, Spurgeon College Athletic Director
Head Men's Basketball Coach Billy Livezey, who recruited Allen out of Texas, was equally effusive in his praise.
"Super proud of Joe and this accomplishment. We have had many great athletes come through Spurgeon College athletics, especially in the men's basketball program, and for Joe to be the first pro athlete says a lot about him and the Lord's kindness. I always knew Joe could be a pro if he wanted to be. I remember when I was recruiting Joe and discussing his potential to earn his way on an overseas roster. It's really cool to fast-forward now and see that dream come true for him. He took advantage of his time here, and I am so happy that our program was able to position him to continue to play after his collegiate career was over. He will do very well, and any team is very lucky to have him. Excited to watch him play Spurgeon Basketball in Australia." - Billy Livezey, Head Men's Basketball Coach
Joe had this to say about his time at Spurgeon College: "I am very excited to continue my basketball career at the professional level especially for the Shepparton Gators as their team is full of a great group of guys and the community there has been so welcoming to me. I just want to say that all glory goes to God truly. None of this would be possible without Him guiding every step of my journey. Before basketball or any earthly achievements I have been given, my identity is found in Christ.
During my time at Spurgeon College, I was taught how to stay faithful through adversity and was shown what it means to compete in a God-honoring way. Basketball is what brought me to Spurgeon College, but God used this place to bring me closer to Him. So as I walk through this next door with the Gators, I thank God for it, and all the people who planted seeds in my life. "
Allen joins the Shepparton Gators in the Big V Basketball League, one of Australia's premier regional competitions. Spurgeon College Athletics congratulates Joe on this incredible milestone and looks forward to tracking his career overseas.
