Ray Allen Inspires Young Athletes in Seacrest Studios

Written by Seacrest Studios Intern, Ryan Dahlseid
Children's National Hospital 

Fans at Seacrest Studios across the country scored an opportunity to talk with NBA Hall of Famer, Ray Allen. Patients at Children’s National in Washington, D.C., Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, and Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children tuned in to get the chance to hear from the NBA’s all-time leader in three-pointers.

Allen discussed the importance of his record, noting that he never intended on holding any records. Instead, he focused on doing his job on the court and, in turn, was able to inspire the next generation of NBA players. 

Allen took questions from a few patients at Seacrest Studios in Washington, D.C. They asked about when he started playing basketball, his college years, and his favorite players to guard on the court. He answered each question thoughtfully, adding that his favorite players to guard weren’t necessarily the same players that he found were the hardest to guard. From Allen’s experience, the hardest players to guard were Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant.

During his virtual visit, Allen played a game where he ranked the jerseys he wore over his career. He let patients know that every jersey he wore was special to him because he was doing what he loved to do. Allen also touched on the current Olympics and how impressed he is with the U.S. women’s three-on-three basketball team. He also talked about Space Jam, saying that he enjoyed the new movie and would choose the Tasmanian Devil as his Looney Tunes teammate.

As he wrapped up his visit, Allen offered advice to any patients pursuing dreams of their own.

“The only reason that you know who I am is because of the work that I put into playing the game of basketball… I wasn’t trying to be famous, I wasn’t trying to be a record-holder, I was just doing what I loved and I did it every single day and I committed to that… It doesn’t matter who tells you what you can or can not do. You have to believe in who you are, and everyone has that power to go out and do something great with your life.”

Thank you Ray Allen for being an inspiration to so many young basketball players and for making such a positive impact on the patients at Seacrest  Studios. Your time with us will help shape the next generation of NBA legends.