After overcoming a courageous battle with cancer, the versatile forward faces a grueling recovery from a torn ACL, sidelining a key piece of the Miami Hurricanes' deep rotation.
MIAMI, Fla. – The Miami Hurricanes men’s basketball program announced that junior forward Marcus Allen will miss the 2026-27 college basketball season.
According to a press release, the 21-year-old suffered a torn ACL injury. It likely occurred in the Bahamas as the team traveled for summer workouts. Allen appeared in eight games last season and averaged 5.3 points on 42.4 percent shooting and 3.1 rebounds in 18.9 minutes. The Miami native’s time on the court was cut short after a non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis in mid December 2025.
After seven months of chemotherapy, Allen announced he was cancer-free. He appeared set to return to basketball for the upcoming season until the latest injury news. Allen returned to the Sunshine State following a freshman stint at Missouri. He averaged 2.6 points on 43.9 percent shooting and two rebounds in 26 games with the Tigers.
Allen entered the transfer portal in early April of 2025, then committed to “The U” a few weeks later. He’s a two-way guard/forward who can space the floor with outside shooting. Allen would’ve likely had a primary role with the Hurricanes’ bench unit this upcoming season.
Instead, Jai Lucas is down a couple of players before tip-off against the Florida Gators in Tampa. Alongside Allen, Michigan guard transfer LJ Cason is reportedly sitting out the 2026-27 season – recovering from a torn ACL injury from late February. Although the Wolverines are the reigning National Champions, the Lakeland native was unable to contribute.
Despite Allen’s sudden extended absence, the Hurricanes have enough depth at both forward spots. Shelton Henderson and Caleb Gaskins are projected starters; behind them are Robert Morris transfer and Horizon Player of the Year DeSean Goode and Christopher Birden Jr.
Allen’s last game played was on Nov. 28, 2025, against the Georgetown Hoyas. In 15 minutes off the bench, he scored four points on 50 percent shooting and grabbed two rebounds.
Despite missing the on-court action with chemotherapy, Allen was present on the Hurricanes’ bench and even traveled with the team on the road.
Coming off a historic 26-9 turnaround season, the Hurricanes are looking to compete among the nation’s best. It starts with chasing an ACC Crown, which the program hasn’t won since the 2012-13 season with Jim Larranaga. Afterwards, an opportunity to carve out a “Cinderella run” for the National Championship presents itself.
Lucas quickly established a new foundation and standard within the program. However, the path moving forward won’t feature Allen’s return.
