Forrest Clare "Phog" Allen, born on November 18, 1885, in Jamesport, Missouri, is often remembered as one of the most influential figures in the history of basketball coaching. His journey in basketball began as a player at the University of Kansas, where he played under the tutelage of Dr. James Naismith, the inventor of basketball. Allen's playing career at Kansas spanned from 1905 to 1907, during which he developed a deep understanding of the game.

After his playing days, Allen transitioned into coaching, a field where he would leave a lasting legacy. His coaching career commenced at Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas, in 1908. He then moved on to coach at Haskell Institute (now Haskell Indian Nations University) and Warrensburg Teachers College (now the University of Central Missouri), where he honed his coaching skills and began to develop his coaching philosophy.

In 1919, Allen returned to the University of Kansas as the head basketball coach, a position he would hold for nearly four decades. During his tenure at Kansas, Allen's teams won 24 conference championships and he amassed a career record of 746 wins and 264 losses. His coaching style was innovative for the time, emphasizing fast breaks and aggressive defense, which helped to modernize the game.

Allen's influence extended beyond the basketball court. He was instrumental in the founding of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) in 1927 and played a significant role in the establishment of the NCAA tournament. His advocacy for basketball as an Olympic sport was realized when the sport was included in the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

One of Allen's most famous protégés was Dean Smith, who would go on to have a legendary coaching career at the University of North Carolina. Allen's coaching tree also includes other successful coaches, demonstrating his influence on the next generation of basketball leaders.

Phog Allen's legacy is immortalized in the University of Kansas's Allen Fieldhouse, named in his honor. The arena, known for its passionate fans and storied history, serves as a testament to Allen's enduring influence on the Kansas basketball program and the sport as a whole.

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