Allan Houston

As a man of faith and strong family values, Allan Houston lives his life with a determination to utilize his success as a professional athlete to help others while continuing to grow a variety of entrepreneurial interests.  Recently appointed as the Assistant General Manager of the New York Knicks, Allan has been an international ambassador for the NBA, spokesperson for the National Fatherhood Initiative, ESPN analyst, and burgeoning book author. Allan continues to share his experience and life perspectives with an ever-growing audience.

Before his retirement in the Fall of 2005, Allan was touted as one of the “purest shooters” in the NBA, finishing his career as one of the NBA’s all-time greatest long-range shooters (#11 in three pointers made) and one of the all-time leading scorers in Knicks history (#2 in three pointers, #4 in total points, and #8 in scoring average).  Allan is a two-time NBA All-Star, and in his last healthy season (2002-03) finished as the 10th leading scorer in the league.  But for all his accomplishments he is especially
proud of being named one of The Sporting News’ “Good Guys in Sports” (four times) and helping Team USA bring home the gold medal in the 2000 Summer Olympics games in Sydney, Australia.

Allan’s dedication to helping others is demonstrated through the exciting work of his Legacy Foundation, which has served over 1,500 participants across the country through original programs in fatherhood and entrepreneurship to facilitate individual and collective growth through initiatives that – 1) Restore a strong family unit, 2) Provide economic empowerment through entrepreneurship, 3) Encourage education and life skill development, and 4) Enhance spiritual growth.  The “Father Knows Best” Basketball Retreat & FISLL Curriculum provides a unique combination of basketball and relationship building activities for fathers and children, and mentors and mentees emphasizing leadership, communication, and the importance of spending quality time together.  The Business Education and Development Programs offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for entrepreneurial advancement where aspiring entrepreneurs receive six months of education, training, mentoring and incubation support to launch their business.  Through the success of his philanthropy, Allan was named “Father of the Year” by the National Fatherhood Initiative in 2007, “Social Entrepreneur of the Year” by Tulane University in 2008, and received the President’s Council on Service and Civic Engagement Award from the Obama Administration in 2011.

With a strong entrepreneurial spirit inherited from his parents, Allan continues to build and expand Allan Houston Enterprises which has maintained strong interest in apparel; UNK NBA (an NBA licensed fashion line), and an advisory position with Top Gunn Leather and apparel; urban inspirational media content and aggregation; and a variety of public speaking and media projects Allan is currently co-producing a film project addressing fatherlessness as a social, spiritual, and educational stronghold.

A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Allan graduated from the University of Tennessee (where his jersey was retired March 6, 2011) and recently receive an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters at Dowling College.  Allan and his wife, Tamara Maria Houston, on the day of their 13th wedding anniversary, accompanied the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York on a mission to Israel in August of 2009, and called it the most monumental trip of their lives. The following summer returned to Israel along on a missionary trip with former NBA stars, and met with President Simon Peres. Allan and his beautiful wife Tamara have seven wonderful children.

Please visit www.AllanHouston.com and www.AllanHoustonFoundation.org for more info.