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Sonny Allen
Sonny Allen.jpg
Allen coaching at ODU
Biographical details
Born (1936-03-08)March 8, 1936
Moundsville, West Virginia
Died September 11, 2020(2020-09-11) (aged 84)
Reno, Nevada
Playing career
1956–1960 Marshall
Position(s) Point guard
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
1960–1965 Marshall (assistant)
1965–1975 Old Dominion
1975–1980 SMU
1980–1987 Nevada
1988 Las Vegas Silver Streaks
1989–1990 Santa Barbara Islanders
1997–1998 Dallas Mavericks (assistant)
1998 Detroit Shock (assistant)
1999–2001 Sacramento Monarchs
Head coaching record
Overall 613–383
Accomplishments and honors
Championships
NCAA Division II (1975)

Sonny Allen (born March 8, 1936 – died September 11, 2020) was a famous American college basketball coach. He led many teams to success during his long career. He was known for his smart strategies and for helping players improve.

Sonny Allen's Coaching Journey

Sonny Allen started his coaching career in college basketball. He worked with several teams, helping them win many games. His journey shows how dedication can lead to great achievements in sports.

Leading the Old Dominion Monarchs

Sonny Allen was the head coach at Old Dominion University from 1965 to 1975. This was a very successful time for him. He guided the Monarchs to six NCAA College/Division II Tournaments.

In 1975, his team won the championship, which was a huge accomplishment! They also finished second in 1971 and fourth in 1976. These results showed his skill as a coach.

Coaching at SMU and Nevada

After Old Dominion, Sonny Allen moved to Southern Methodist University (SMU). He coached the SMU Mustangs from 1975 to 1980. Later, he became the head coach at the University of Nevada, Reno. He led the Nevada Wolf Pack team from 1980 to 1987.

Coaching in Women's Basketball

Sonny Allen also coached in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). This showed his ability to coach different types of teams.

With the Sacramento Monarchs

From 1999 to 2001, Sonny Allen was the head coach for the Sacramento Monarchs. This was a professional women's basketball team. Coaching in the WNBA was another important part of his career.

Later Life and Legacy

Sonny Allen passed away on September 11, 2020, in Reno, Nevada. He had Parkinson's Disease. He is remembered as a great coach who made a big impact on basketball. His teams won many games, and he helped many players grow.

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