Former NBA Legend, Ray Allen has finally graduated from the University of Connecticut, United States with a bachelor’s degree and at the age of 47.
Ray Allen played basketball for the University of Connecticut but left in 1996 to join the National Basketball Association (NBA) draft which saw him play for Minnesota Timberwolves up till 2014 when he retired.
Ray Allen has always been interested in earning a university degree and despite winning two NBA titles, being a 10-time All-Star, and being one of the best three-point shooters in the history of basketball, he enrolled at the University of Connecticut in 2008.
He finally received his Bachelor’s degree in General Studies in 2023 after several years of studying. Speaking of his success, Ray Allen said that his experience in school where some old people are active allowed him to realize that it’s never too late to learn.
“When I was in school, there was a couple of RAs that were in their 30s and I thought, ‘Wow, they’re still in school. It’s never too late to learn,’” Allen said.
Speaking further, Allen added that his graduation from the university is not about him but about everyone that contributed to his success.
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“This day isn’t about me, it’s about the people that helped me along the way to finish this mission, be on this journey to graduate from college. And you got to do it by yourself but it’s made up of a lot of people around you, so I didn’t want it to be about me walking in and everybody, you know. These kids are on their individual journeys, so I was so inspired to be sitting next to them and talking to them,” he stated.
Allen remains the only University of Connecticut men’s basketball player with a retired jersey. He was elected into the Hall of Fame in 2018.
FAQs:
When and at what age did Ray Allen graduate from UConn?
Ray Allen officially graduated in May 2023, receiving a Bachelor’s degree in General Studies at the age of 47, nearly 30 years after beginning his college career in 1993 and leaving early in 1996 to join the NBA.
Why did Ray Allen wait so long to complete his college degree?
After playing three seasons (1993–1996) under coach Jim Calhoun, he left for the NBA. He began taking classes again in 2008, but the COVID‑19 pandemic helped him focus fully and accelerate his coursework, culminating in his completion in 2023.
What motivated Ray Allen to finally finish his degree?
Allen cited inspiration from older resident assistants still attending classes when he first returned, saying “It’s never too late to learn.” He was also inspired by his children, especially his daughter Tierra—the first in his family to graduate college—and wanted to set an example for them.
What did his graduation ceremony look like?
Allen walked across the stage at a 2023 commencement in Gampel Pavilion, seated beneath his retired No. 34 jersey banner. He sat among fellow graduates before officially receiving his diploma in front of cheering attendees and his family.
Who is Ray Allen and what are his basketball accomplishments?
Ray Allen played three standout seasons at UConn before becoming the No. 5 overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft. He became a 10‑time NBA All‑Star, won two NBA championships (2008 with the Celtics and 2013 with the Heat), earned Olympic gold medal in 2000, and was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018. At UConn, he averaged 19.0 points per game, shot a program-best 44.8% from three, scored 1,922 career points, and was named Big East Player of the Year in 1996