Allen was a four year starter for the Morehead State basketball team from 1946-50. He was named an All-American in 1950. He currently ranks fourth all-time on the school scoring list with 1,923 points. Allen averaged 20.8 points per game for four years. He is the only Morehead State basketball player to be named to the all-conference basketball team all four years.

After the conclusion of Allen’s senior season at Morehead State he signed a contract with the Indianapolis Olympians to play professional basketball in 1950.   Allen elected to enlist in the Air Force instead of play professionally. He served 3 ½ years and was a member of the Air Force basketball team. He won many accolades for the Air Force basketball team while averaging 27.2 points per game.

Allen came back to MSU to coach the baseball team. He was 226-137 over his 14-year coaching career at Morehead State.  He led his team to three league championships in 1956, 1969, and 1973 and garnered three OVC Coach of the Year honors.

Morehead State’s baseball field is named in honor of John ‘Sonny’ Allen. He passed away on May 13th 1999.