High Point University’s Chaney Will Not Resume Basketball Career

HIGH POINT, N.C. – High Point University men’s basketball player Allan Chaney will not resume his playing career due to health concerns. Chaney, an All-Conference forward, is a graduate student on track to receive his master’s degree in May.

“Allan has worked so hard to play the game that he loves so it’s devastating news for all of us, but we’re so thankful that he’s here, able to get his degree and pursue future goals,” said HPU head coach Scott Cherry. “Allan has done so much for our basketball program, helping us to our most successful season last year. He is still going to be part of our program moving forward and he’s going to be here as we try to achieve our goal of making it to the NCAA Tournament this season.”

Chaney overcame issues stemming from a heart virus while he was a student at Virginia Tech in 2010 to return to the court for High Point University as a graduate student for the 2012-13 season. His two-year recovery process included heart surgery and installation of an internal defibrillator by World-renown cardiologist Dr. Frank Marchlinski at the University of Pennsylvania. Marchlinski and HPU team doctors conducted extensive testing and cleared Chaney to play in 2012. Every precaution was taken by HPU staff and physicians to ensure Chaney’s health and safety since then.

After the defibrillator activated during HPU’s game on Nov. 24, Chaney met with physicians again and Marchlinski determined this week that Chaney should not resume his playing career.

“I’m thankful to my doctors here and in Philadelphia for the great medical care and I’m thankful to everyone at High Point University, especially Coach Cherry and the coaching staff, my teammates, Geoff Staton and all of the other athletic trainers,” said Chaney. “It’s great to be here. Playing basketball won’t be a part of my life going forward but I’m planning on working with kids and maybe coaching at some point.”

Chaney was recognized as a Millis Scholar-Athlete last year and will continue to pursue his master’s degree in Nonprofit Management at High Point University.

“I’m going to finish my degree and pursue starting a nonprofit organization to help children with heart problems like mine,” said Chaney. “It’s frustrating but I’ll be OK. I’ll move on and I’ll be here to support my team.”

Chaney is a Senior CLASS Award candidate this year, being recognized as one of 30 finalists for his notable achievements in four areas of excellence – community, classroom, character and competition.

Chaney earned All-Conference honors and was named CBSSports.com Comeback Player of the Year in 2012-13. He helped lead High Point to a 17-14 overall and 12-4 Big South record. HPU won the conference’s North Division title, the program’s first Big South title in men’s basketball. Chaney was picked to the Preseason All-Conference team and was averaging 18.3 points and 9.8 rebounds through the first four games this season.

The Panthers were picked No. 1 in the North Division of the Big South Preseason Poll. The team is currently 3-4 and is off until hosting a non-conference game against James Madison on Dec. 14 at the Millis Center.

Chaney will not be available for comment at this time. In respect to his privacy, we ask that you do not try to contact Allan directly. Any media inquiries can be directed to Associate AD for Communications Jon Litchfield.