KANSAS CITY, Mo. – After helping lead the Spurgeon College Knights to one of the strongest seasons in program history, Joseph Allen is taking the next step in his basketball career, signing his first professional contract to compete in Australia’s Big V League with the Shepparton Gators.
Allen’s signing marks a significant milestone for Spurgeon College Athletics—the first known men’s basketball player in program history to sign a professional contract overseas.
“I am so pleased to see Joseph’s hard work and skill rewarded with the rare opportunity to play at the next level,” said President Jason Allen. “I know he will continue to represent Christ, his family, and his alma mater well during his professional career. We look forward to cheering him on from Kansas City for many years to come. Congratulations to Coach Livezey who continues to develop a tremendous program that delivers exceptional opportunities for our student athletes.”
A Milestone for Spurgeon Athletics
For Athletic Director Logan Stutz, Allen’s accomplishment reflects both the continued growth of Spurgeon College Athletics and the opportunities available to student-athletes who embrace the college’s culture.
“I couldn’t be happier for Joseph and the fact he has earned a contract to continue playing professionally,” Stutz said. “This is a tremendous accomplishment for himself and for Spurgeon College. This is just proof that coming to Spurgeon College, trusting your coaches, and putting in the work can help you reach your goals. I think Joseph will be the first of many more to come.”
From the time he spent with Allen last season, Stutz said he was impressed not only by Allen’s talent but also by his character.
“From the time I got to spend here last season, I was very impressed with Joseph’s abilities on the court,” Stutz said. “What really makes Joseph a special person is his character off the court. When you combine both of those, the results speak for themselves—from team captain and player of the year to playing professionally.”
Stutz also believes Allen’s intensity will serve him well as he begins his professional career.
“I think where Joseph will excel as a pro is in his defense and intensity,” he said. “Joseph doesn’t take plays off. Coach Livezey developed a killer mindset on the court and gets his players playing with great intensity. If Joseph continues with his intensity, especially on the defensive side, he will do well wherever he goes.”
An Opportunity Years in the Making
For Allen, the opportunity came as an unexpected answer to prayer.
“When I first found out about it, I was genuinely surprised,” Allen said. “I got the call early in the morning, and my suitemate Tyler overheard some of it. After the phone call, we were laughing and honestly couldn’t believe our ears. I knew I could play at a higher level, but that’s just all in your head until someone gives you an opportunity. Thankfully, God opened that door.”
Looking back on his time at Spurgeon, Allen credits the program with preparing him athletically, spiritually, and personally.
“From a basketball standpoint, the conditioning here at Spurgeon is like no other,” Allen said. “Coach Livezey required a certain standard of toughness, and as I play at a higher level now, I still believe in holding myself to that standard.”
Allen also said his spiritual formation at Spurgeon has shaped him while living overseas.
“During my last semester at Spurgeon, we were being taught about having silence and solitude with the Lord,” he said. “During this period of my life in another country, away from family, it can feel like I’m alone, but keeping the Lord first has allowed me to have a joyful heart throughout this journey.”
Faith Through Setbacks
Allen said he first believed professional basketball was within reach during his time at Dallas Christian College, before the unexpected death of his coach caused that dream to fade. At Spurgeon, it was renewed.
“During the 2021 NCCAA Regional Tournament, we played the No. 1 seed as a play-in team and took them down. During that game in overtime, I shot a three over the MVP, and when I made that shot, I knew I could play professionally. Sadly, my coach passed away two months later, so that dream faded.”
A 46-point overtime performance at Spurgeon changed that.
“Until I came here and played a game against Greenville—a 46-point game in overtime—that dream was reignited once again,” Allen said. “This time I prayed to God, waited, and I was blessed with this opportunity.”
Now adjusting to life and basketball in Australia, Allen said his greatest desire is to honor Christ while serving his new team. “What I’m hoping to accomplish here is to remain steadfast as an athlete and as a son of God, to help them win games, and to keep earning opportunities.”
Competing for a Greater Cause
Stutz said Allen’s journey reflects the broader vision of Spurgeon Athletics.
“We will always recruit high-character people who love the Lord and love to compete,” Stutz said. “Where we could see some progress from this is now more people will reach out to us, seeing we have proven coaches that can help you achieve your goals, whatever they may be.”
Beyond athletic success, Stutz said the mission of the department is to prepare student-athletes for lives of Kingdom service. “We need to equip them to advance the Kingdom through sport and through working together as a team for a greater cause, ultimately finding joy in serving others.”
Allen’s signing marks an important milestone for Spurgeon College Athletics—a testament to faithful preparation, Christian character, and God’s providence opening doors for students to pursue excellence beyond graduation.
By Jonathan Lumley
