Grayson Allen hopes to improve ‘speed, power, explosion’ for next season

Grayson Allen played four years at Duke during his college career and traditionally returns each summer to visit their campus or at least hang out in Durham. This time around, he visited Blue Devils head coach and longtime friend Jon Scheyer while he was training at the Michael W. Krzyzewski Center for Athletic Excellence.

During Allen’s time with the club, Scheyer was an assistant under Krzyzewski, and that’s part of the reason he always returns to where he was once happy. “Did some workouts with Coach Scheyer, just like old times,” the NBA star said in the first episode of this new season Duke Blue Planetrecently posted on YouTube this week.

“I have the head coach back doing some individual workouts. That was cool to see. Coach Scheyer and I stay in touch and talk pretty often. It was cool to be back and be able to take a day off while I’m here in town and get another workout in with him,” Grayson added.

Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen working on ‘speed, strength, explosion’ in preparation for 2024-25 NBA season (with videos) #Sunshines https://t.co/f3gvozByBp via @azcentral photo.twitter.com/ABvJNK4Ufz

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) September 1, 2024

Incredibly, these two athletes share more than just friendship, as they also hold similar records for the club. Both Allen and Scheyer are two of five Duke players to score at least 1,900 points, grab at least 400 rebounds and dish out at least 400 assists.

While the other three are Grant Hill, Danny Ferry and Johnny Dawkins, the Phoenix guard remains the Blue Devils’ 12th all-time leading scorer with 1,996. The sharpshooter recently told reporters that he was working on “building a strong foundation” in the weight room this offseason.

There have been many videos on the internet showing Grayson’s dedication to a major campaign. He can be seen lifting punches, standing still and moving, and other footage shows him in the gym himself.

“I’m going to do some explosive things to get ready to hit the field hard for training camp and pre-season and just hit all the shots that I think I can hit this season,” Allen shared. “Shots that I hit last season playing with these guys.”

Allen missed the end of last season’s final playoff games due to a recurring injury against the Minnesota Timberwolves

Grayson first sprained his ankle in Game 1 of their postseason clash against the Timberwolves last season in April. He returned for Game 2 but ultimately re-injured himself and did not play in Games 3 or 4. The player injured his ankle during the third quarter of those first few games and did not return to action in either game.

“I’ve got a strong base,” the Suns star said. “Now it’s more toward more speed and explosion, some plyometric stuff. Moving the weight quicker when it’s weighted. A lot of unweighted stuff. Working on some speed, power explosion. Trying to get back into that playing shape and be ready and in better shape. A little faster, a little stronger and ready for October.”

The Phoenix club continue to prepare for their season opener on October 23 at the Los Angeles Clippers, with Allen working hard to be fit for whatever his role may be this campaign. Grayson also trained with Duke rising star Tyrese Proctor.

“Just shooting with Tyrese and trying to give him some of the things that I’m thinking about and kind of an off-ball mentality, when my defense is helping,” the NBA player shared. “Reading how far away he is from me when he’s catching. Just kind of an off-ball mentality of knowing before the ball comes if you’re going to make that shot. Maybe step back a couple feet from the line to give yourself a little more space and time.”