Miami forward Marcus Allen will miss the rest of the season after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, the team announced Friday.
According to Allen’s family, the 6-foot-7 forward learned of his condition through routine medical testing. He has already begun chemotherapy.
“Marcus is an incredible person and teammate, and we will do everything we can to support him and his amazing family during this difficult time,” head coach Jai Lucas said in a statement.
Rated a four-star recruit out of high school, Allen led Miami Norland High to the 2024 state championship, averaging 22.7 points and 13.2 rebounds per game. He also competed in the Allen Iverson Classic All-American game and played a crucial role in AZ Compass Prep’s run to the GEICO Nationals title game in 2023.
“We want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers during an extremely difficult time for our family,” Allen’s family said in a statement. “We thank God for his continued Grace, Mercy and Favor. We wait in anticipation for the miracle healing to take place. We are standing on FAITH.”
Miami also shared the news Friday on Instagram, saying, “Our hearts are with him and his family during this time. A GoFundMe has been created to support them, and every contribution helps them focus on his recovery.” Allen reposted the message on his Instagram stories. The campaign aims to help cover expenses. “As his treatment begins, Marcus and his family are facing the emotional and financial challenges that come with this diagnosis,” it notes.
Earlier this month, Marcus was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and has begun chemotherapy.
Our hearts are with him and his family during this time. A GoFundMe has been created to support them & every contribution helps them focus on his recovery.
🔗 https://t.co/ZknR3Euil1 pic.twitter.com/ibYzKhWi0P
— Canes Men’s Basketball (@CanesHoops) December 19, 2025
This season, Allen is averaging 5.3 points and 3.1 rebounds in 18.9 minutes per game. He transferred to his hometown Miami Hurricanes after initially committing to Missouri over offers from Florida State, Indiana, Miami, and Villanova.
“Marcus brings toughness and selflessness to our locker room every day and those same qualities will help him defeat this disease. Our entire program will continue to support Marcus in any way that we can as he focuses on his health,” Lucas said.