Since stepping off the court at Key Arena in Seattle following the finale of the season, Jillian Alleyne has had no problem staying busy.
The soon-to-be senior has earned a USA Basketball Trials invitation, signed up for a community service trip to the Dominican Republic, bought her first car and discovered a interest in country music after attending a Jason Aldean concert.
On Wednesday, Alleyne was invited to be a part of the Pan America and World University Team Trials in Colorado Springs on taking place on May 14-17. The USA Basketball invite marks her second trials experience; she was invited to the U19 tryouts in 2013.
“The first time I went, I was so nervous. I was shaking in every drill that we did,” Alleyne said. “I didn’t know anybody. … I have so much more confidence in myself now.”
In 2013, Alleyne was shocked by the elevation difference at the U.S. Olympic Training Center compared to Eugene. Alleyne said, however, that she’s ready for the 6,035-foot elevation change this time around. Alleyne has always had the goal to be recognized on a national stage. She said the USA Basketball offer adds confidence to her game and could help the program draw in high-caliber recruits for head coach Kelly Graves.
“He’s always saying: ‘You’re going to be a huge help just for recruiting,’” Alleyne said.
Alleyne’s main goal remains making either team. Each squad includes a 12-person roster.
“It’d mean a lot, not just for myself, for the team, for Oregon, just in general,” Alleyne said. “Just to play for USA is such a huge deal. I do want to make a team. That’s the main goal.”
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This summer, Alleyne and a cohort of student-athletes, including center Jacinta Vandenberg and assistant strength and conditioning coach Xavi Lopez, will travel to the Dominican Republic to build a multi-purpose court in a batey.
The Ducks, through the Oregon athletic department, are teaming up with Courts for Kids to build a court for basketball and volleyball as well as other community functions.
“I’m all about helping people and I think it’s so cool that the university gives us the opportunity to not only go out of the country, but to help a community in need,” Alleyne said.
Alleyne said all that Oregon offers its student-athletes — facilities, courts, an education — can be easily taken for granted. She thinks the trip will give her a sense of gratitude, something she plans to carry over onto the court.
“Work hard every day,” Alleyne said. “They work hard every day just to live. I get to play basketball. I need to bring that aspect into the game.”
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With two additions during the regular signing period in community college transfers Megan Trinder and Mar’Shay Moore, the Ducks will have five incomers next year. Boston College transfer Kat Cooper has also said she plans to attend Oregon next year. Having said that, Alleyne is focused on laying the foundation for next year with the teammates she has now.
“This is probably one of the best spring seasons I’ve had since I’ve been here,” Alleyne said. “Everyone’s on the same page. We’re building that culture that coach Kelly wants. …When those new kids come in, they’re going to be wide-eyed freshmen or transfers. It’s going to be whole new stage.”
Alleyne also said she’s been working hard on her 15-to-18 foot jumper with teammates during open gyms.
“Just making sure it’s muscle memory so next year I’m not just bound to the post,” Alleyne said.
Follow Jonathan Hawthorne on Twitter @Jon_Hawthorne