Allen Durham facts for kids

Allen Isiah Jeremiah Durham (born July 9, 1988), also known as The Hulk, is an American professional basketball player. He currently plays for the Saga Ballooners in Japan's B.League. Allen is famous for leading Grace Bible College in points, rebounds, and blocks. He has played in many different basketball leagues around the world.

College Basketball Journey

Allen Durham started his college basketball career at Grace Bible College in 2006. This school is a Division II team in the NCCAA. He left after his first year because of money issues. He returned to Grace the next season.

Before his final year, bigger schools like Iowa State wanted him to transfer. He scored 31 points in one game, becoming Grace's all-time leading scorer. This record had stood since 1966. He also became the school's top rebounder. In 2011, he won the Pete Maravich Award for men's basketball.

Professional Basketball Career

Early Career in Europe

Durham began his professional career in Romania with Dinamo București in 2011. In his first game, he scored 32 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. He then moved to Finland to play for Salon Vilpas. He helped his team reach the playoffs for the first time since 2003.

In 2013, he joined Hapoel Afula in Israel. He averaged 21 points and 12.1 rebounds per game. After that, he played for Nantes in France. He was named the LNB Pro B Defensive Player of the Year in 2014.

Playing in the Philippines

In 2014, Allen Durham played for the Barako Bull Energy in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). In his first game, he had an amazing 32 points, 24 rebounds, and 10 assists. He even had 28 points and 29 rebounds in a big win against the top-ranked Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters.

He returned to Nantes for a second time from 2014 to 2015. Then, he played for the Legends in the NBA Development League (now G League) for 24 games. He went back to Nantes for a third time in 2016.

Joining the Meralco Bolts

In 2016, Durham joined the Meralco Bolts in the PBA. He quickly became a key player. He was named the Best Import of the Conference. Despite his efforts, the Bolts lost in the finals to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

After a short time with Club Malvín in Uruguay, Durham returned to the Meralco Bolts for the 2017 Governors' Cup. He had many strong games, including several triple-doubles (scoring double digits in points, rebounds, and assists). The Bolts finished first in the elimination round. They reached the finals again, facing Ginebra. Durham won Best Import again, but Meralco lost the championship in a close Game 7.

He played for Meralco again in the 2018 Governors' Cup. He helped the team reach the playoffs. They upset the second-seed Phoenix team but were later eliminated by Alaska.

Time in Japan and Korea

In 2019, Durham joined the Shiga Lakestars in Japan. He averaged 22.3 points and 13.2 rebounds per game.

He returned to the Meralco Bolts for a fourth time in 2019. He continued to have impressive performances, including a 44-point, 19-rebound, and 11-assist game. He won his third Best Import award, making him one of the most awarded imports in PBA history. The Bolts reached the finals for the third time against Ginebra but lost again.

In 2020, Durham played for the Busan KT Sonicboom in South Korea. He left the team early due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He then moved back to Japan to play for Niigata Albirex BB from 2020 to 2021.

Ryukyu Golden Kings Success

From 2021 to 2024, Durham played for the Ryukyu Golden Kings in Japan's B.League. He was a big part of their success. In the 2022-23 season, he helped the Golden Kings win the B.League championship. He was also named the B.League Finals MVP for his outstanding play.

Return to Meralco and Retirement

In 2024, Durham returned to the Meralco Bolts for his fifth time. On October 30, 2024, Allen Durham announced his retirement from the PBA.

Saga Ballooners

On January 10, 2025, Durham signed with the Saga Ballooners of the B.League.

The Basketball Tournament

Allen Durham has also played in The Basketball Tournament, a yearly basketball competition. In 2019, he helped his team, the Jackson TN Underdawgs, reach the Elite 8. His team was supposed to play in 2020 but had to withdraw due to COVID-19. They returned to compete in 2021.

Career Statistics

NBA G League

Personal Life

Allen Durham owns a basketball team called the Grand Rapids Danger. This team plays in the North American Basketball League (NABL). He also runs a foundation that helps introduce young kids to sports.

Allen has two children and is one of 10 siblings.