Speaking on the Drew and Jay Podcast following his 32 point debut, Teddy Allen reflected on his first week in Leicester.
The Riders made waves around the British Basketball League with the signing of the highly touted CEBL MVP.
With that came external attention and the expectation of a big performance. Allen delivered in the face of pressure.
“Pressure is a privilege,” Allen told the Drew and Jay Podcast. “I expect that of myself every night, and I put pressure on myself to play to that standard.
“I always want to live up to my reputation, so I come into every game with a chip on my shoulder.”
Just Hooping
While the American guard is comfortable with expectations, his coach tempered them ahead of his debut. Allowing Allen to provide what he could on the court built him the platform to succeed under the bright lights.
“Coach Rob took the pressure off of me and told me to go out there and give the team what I can give.
“That alleviated the pressure for me and allowed me to take a deep breath. Once game day rolled around, it was just hoop.”
His coach and teammates put him in a position to succeed, and he rewarded them with one of the all-time British Basketball League performances.
“I knew the team was unselfish and was going to look for me, so I knew there would be opportunities.
“Mo [Walker] was telling me not to be passive and just to be me. That opened me up, and when it came down to the clutch, the plays were there to be made.”
Getting ready for the Trophy
It was Allen’s first competitive outing since August, but he still hit the ground running without being in optimal condition.
Joining a team midseason is difficult, and Allen looked ahead at the task of getting in 100% game shape.
“It isn’t easy coming in late to a pro team, but the best way of getting in game shape is by playing. I have spent the 30 minutes after every practice running to get back in shape, so I’m going to try and rev it up over these next few weeks.
“By the time the Trophy comes around, I hope to be on top form.”
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