Chat Transcript: Tony Allen

Tony chatted live with fans on Thursday. NBAE/Getty Images

As part of Amtrak's and the Boston Celtics' celebration of Black History Month, Celtics Rookie Guard Tony Allen chatted live with fans on Thursday.

Tony Allen, the 25th overall selection in the 2004 NBA Draft, was recently selected to play in the 2005 got milk? Rookie Challenge. Allen is the 9th Celtic to appear in the event and first since Joe Johnson in 2002.

Allen is averaging 6.0 points, on 48.2 percent shooting from the field, to go along with 2.8 rebounds in 14.3 minutes per game. Since being added to the Celtics starting lineup January 22 at Atlanta, he?s averaging 12.0 points, on 71.4 percent from the field, to go along with 3.7 rebounds in 22.0 minutes per game.

Check out what Tony had to say about Amtrak's and the Celtics' celebration of Black History Month and much more.

Pete (Boston): Tony - Congratulations on a great rookie season so far. Since February is Black History Month, can you tell us what Black History Month means to you, and why you think it is important?

Tony Allen: I think it's very impoprtant that the Celtics and Amtrak are celebrating Black History Month. It is important because Black people before me did so much so I can have freedom and the ability to be free and express myself. For all of us. It is real important for us all to remember that and doing it for the month is a good step in honoring all those who came before us and paved the way.

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Dana (Boston): Hey Tony, first off, its great to watch you play, how did you feel when you found out you were drafted by the Celtics? Keep up the good work!

Tony Allen: When I found out I was drafted by the Celtics it was really great. I know I have alot to accomplish, considering the great history they have here. I need to really work hard to add my mark to the storied history of this team.

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Aaron (Boston): Hey TOny... What African-American leaders have influenced you and how does it feel to be a role model for young African-American kids?

Tony Allen: I would say Martin Luther King, his I Have a Dream Speech and all he did was just awesome. I had a dream to make the NBA too and I fought for it and went and got it. Martin Luther King and the whole Civil Rights movement had a huge effect. It feels great that young kids look up to me. Whatever a kid wants to do, play basketball or be a lawyer...whatever they want....if I can help in any way to help that young kid stay on the right track, I consider that an honor....to be a part of that.

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Woody, Charlotte: Tony I want to congratulate you on the start of your NBA career. Now that you have been inserted into the starting lineup has your preperation for games differed? What is a typical game day like for you?

Tony Allen: No, my preparation hasn't really changed. The only thing that changed is the number of minutes I use in warmup. A normal game day prep for me, is go to shootaround at around 11, get out at noon. Then I eat lunch...have a nap from around 12:30 to 3:30. Then I hop out of my nap, shower and get ready to go to the arena. Then I arrive, take some shots, sometimes I get a message...then we do the game prep and before you know it...it's tip-off time.

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Sherri(Lowell ma): Hi Tony,what are your thoughts on being selected for the 2005 got milk rookie challange? (congradulations by the way.)

Tony Allen: It's a nice first-half accomplishment for me. It's exciting, and I feel I worked hard for it. I was hoping to make it. Once I made it, now I know that what is most important is helping my team get into first place. As I move forward, it's nice...but the most important thing is to work hard and do whatever I can to help the Celtics win ball games.

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colin (yarmouth, ma): Your athletisism is exactly what the celtics need in a 2 guard. What is the biggest adjustment you have had to make in your transition from the college game to the pro's.

Tony Allen: I just need to stay more focused. That was a key...you really need to keep your focus in the NBA.

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Newton: What is your favorite movie featuring or depicting Black actors & actresse. Who is your favorite African-American actor/actress /performer and why?

Tony Allen: I don't think I have one. I don't watch much TV. I liked Samuel L. Jackson, I liked that Coach Carter movie. I don't watch much TV, I play more video games.

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Lee Parish (Stillwater,OK): Hey Tony, as a student at OSU and one of the "campers," I can say that we miss having you on the team, and the toughness that you brought. Did coach Sutton prepare well you for the NBA life? And if he did how? Thanks for your time. Congratulations on your year so far. I must say that I am not surprised by your success.

Tony Allen: Oh...Stillwater Oklahoma! Coach Sutton really helped prepare me. He motivated me when I wasn't going hard. He pushed me to go harder and harder and get better and better. He never tried to hurt me, he just pushed me real hard and that helped me get to the NBA.

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Tyler L.(Maine): Tony... whats your favorite dunk to perform? Also what sophomore are you most excited to match up against in the rookie game? Thanks!

Tony Allen: All of them. I don't really try and perform a special dunk, I just try and throw it down hard in the basket. I look forward to playing against all of those guys.

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Julie (Boston): Is it hard for you to be away from your hometown; and if so, how did you adjust to living in Boston? Also, what are some of your favorite things to do around Boston?

Tony Allen: I've made this my home, I figure I'll be here awhile. I go out to different restaurants almost every day...but I have to stop that!

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Lauren (Boston): Tony, if you could sit down to dinner with one African-American, who would it be?

Tony Allen: Any African-American? I'd like to have dinner with Denzel Washington. He played alot of interesting roles, I'd like to ask him how he keeps his focus to do so well in so many different movies.

Tony Allen: I want to thank all the fans who chatted and for all the fans I didn't get to your questions, I appreciate your support. I hope everybody will keep the Celtic Pride!