Flora Allen-Hopson (mother) and Derek Hopson (stepfather), parents of NBA Hall of Famer Ray Allen, enjoying their time at the Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions during Sunday’s final round.
BY JOHN PERRY (January 20, 2019) – On the grounds at Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions was Flora Allen-Hopson and Derek Hopson, the proud mother and stepfather of NBA Hall of Famer Ray Allen. I asked Ray’s mother if her son has thrown any hints to getting itchy fingers about returning to the Hardwood, and she said, “He’s too busy enjoying his retirement,” and that she doesn’t think that’s likely. So much for that, because he would have no trouble fitting into today’s wide open, freewheeling, three-point shooting style of the players today. Ray, without a doubt, would be right up there with Steph Curry and James Harden. Being a former three-point shooting wizard, he would be in his comfort zone.
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The Hopson’s reside right here in Orlando, Fla., while Ray lives down the road a bit, in Miami. Mrs. Allen-Hopson wears a very expensive looking necklace with the number 34 emblazoned on it—That was her son’s jersey number during his hay days. She proudly says it’s very close to her heart—Well, you think? She says. “Steph and Ray play golf together on occasions and they are both as competitive as ever.” Thank you, Flo and Derek, for taking the time to share a few minutes with me today at the final round of the Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions.
John Perry is a freelance writer, poet and active golfer with a passion for calling shots like he sees them—and then, telling it like it is. He resides in Orlando, Florida.
