PHILADELPHIA IN ONE WORD: PRIDE
Jerome “Pooh” Allen
@djpoohallen
@jeromeallen53
Jerome “Pooh” Allen is a family man of four, accomplished author, and assistant coach for the Detroit Pistons. He is also a graduate of the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, where, prior to joining the Boston Celtics’ coaching staff in the summer of 2015, he was the head men’s basketball coach for his alma mater.
Throughout the 1990’s, people were doing the “Pooh” Allen move on courts all over the city and surrounding suburbs. He was drafted in the 2nd round, 49th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 1995. His playing career spanned 14 years, in 4-NBA cities and 6-different countries throughout Europe.
Since 1999, he has worked to create sustainable social impacts for youth from communities that struggle with educational and economic access. His likeness stands tall on a mural outside a building on the campus of Happy Hollow Recreation Center.
Happy Hollow Recreation Center
4800 Wayne Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19144
Happy Hollow is the oldest recreation center in the City of Philadelphia. It was opened in the year 1911 after E.W. Clark, a local banker, purchased the land of an old quarry and he then gifted it back to the city.
This is a unique place that rests of 4.2 acres, and it offers summer camp, basketball, boxing, computer courses, and gardening.
There is a mural of Jerome Allen from his rookie season with the Minnesota Timberwolves adorning a wall facing the outdoor courts. The painting has served as an inspiration for the community and beyond.
Happy Hollow is an institution, serving the public, and helping to make both the city and world a better place.
