Recruiting Report: Matt Allocco (2020)

Byway of a strong freshman season at Hilliard Bradley, 6’1” point guard Matt Allocco has established himself as one of the premier players in Ohio’s 2020 class. The talks of Allocco began swirling pretty early into his freshman year. In turn, we made it a priority to watch the budding star early in this grassroots season, with All Ohio Red EYBL 15u. After seeing a few games of his in Columbus during April, it’s pretty clear why folks are excited about Allocco. Joining people in the excitement are even a couple Division I programs. “This past weekend, one of my coaches talked to an assistant at Purdue. I think that was the most recent one. I’ve been in contact a few times with a few other coaches, I think Air Force and maybe one or two others,” Allocco said. He also went on to say that Oakland and other unnamed schools have visited Hiliard Bradley to watch him. Being so young, it’s important to have a solid support system. Allocco benefits from being coached at Hilliard Bradley by Brent Norris, who Matt has known throughout his life. It seems that Coach Norris and others have helped their young point guard navigate this initial college interest in a positive manner. “I think technically it’s a rule that [college] coaches can’t call me directly. I’m allowed to call them. So every now and then, I’ll give a coach a call ... build a relationship with them,” Allocco said. Allocco also spoke on his relationship with Norris’ son, Braden, who is a coveted 2018 point guard prospect from Hilliard Bradley. “My first year coming into high school basketball, he really showed me what it was like. I guard him a lot in open gyms and everything. It really helped me with other matchups, I guess. He’s like a big brother to me, I’ve known him for a long time,” Allocco said. When the time comes to make a college decision, Allocco told PHO he’s hoping to find a program with a strong culture, similar to the feel of Hilliard Bradley.  

Matt Allocco Hilliard Bradley - Matt Allocco highlights - Hudl https://t.co/EOpNzJd9Q7

— Bates Fundamental Basketball Academy EYBL (@BatesFunAcdEYBL) April 18, 2017

On the court, Allocco, who carries a 3.9 GPA, excels at shooting the basketball. More specifically, he’s consistent on catch-and-shoot opportunities. “I think I was one of our leaders on our team in three-point percentage. We shot a lot and we shot it in. I think, all my skills play off my catch-and-shoot ability” Allocco said. In order to improve, Allocco is focused on maturing his body right now. “It’s just getting stronger, getting bigger, so I can handle more pressure. Handle contact and finish around the rim. So that’s the main thing,” Allocco said. Allocco is likely to naturally become a larger person regardless, as his older brother stands around 6’4”. For those interested, of which there should be many, you can watch Allocco play with All Ohio Red 15u this weekend in Fort Wayne. Their first game is tonight at 9:30 at the Spiece Fieldhouse against Wisconsin United. Early on in the AAU season, Allocco is personally pleased with his production level and has enjoyed competing against some of the highest level of competition that America has to offer.