Teddy Allen named to 2024 British Basketball League Team of the Year
The British Basketball League announced today that Leicester Riders’ Teddy Allen has been named to the 2024 Team of the Year.
The American wing was the Club’s leading scorer this season with 22.7 points per game. He was one of only two players in the League to average over 20 points, and one of three players to rank top 10 in points (2nd) and rebounds (10th), pulling down an average of 6.4.
Allen played his first game for the team on December 16, logging 32 points and 6 rebounds in the Riders’ win against the Caledonia Gladiators. He went on to score over 30 points five times, and over 20 points 14 times in his 23 appearances for the Club.
His performances this year saw him named 2024 All Star captain for team South. He put up 32 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists in the game to earn All Star MVP.
Allen adds to his growing list of accolades, which include 2023 CEBL MVP, 2022 Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year and 2022 Western Athletic Conference Tournament MVP.
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
Riders speak to BBC Radio Leicester ahead of the playoffs
BBC Radio Leicester stopped by to speak to the team for their weekly “Game Night” show.
Ahead of the upcoming British Basketball League Playoffs, Riders players and Head Coach Rob Paternostro reflected on the Championship season, and previewed the postseason.
Here’s what they had to say…
Teddy Allen
Riders leading scorer, Teddy Allen, has spent the final weeks of the season getting into playoff shape. Working through injuries intensely has led to the American being in the best health that he’s been in all season, right in time for the postseason.
“I have been dealing with some injuries, but I feel like I’ve got my body right and I’m ready to get to work in the playoffs,” said Allen.
“The last few weeks I’ve been working closely with our training staff to get my body right. This is the healthiest I have been since I got here in Leicester, and I’m ready to make a run.”
The Riders enter the playoffs as the fifth seed. Reflecting on the second half of the year, Allen expressed disappointment in how the games fell, but is looking at ways to rectify recent results with his own performances.
“I wish we could have got some more wins down the stretch. I have to look at myself first and think about what I could have done better to help our team win.
“If it’s points, rebounds, assists or defence, whatever the team needs me to do I just want to go out there and compete.
“Nobody wants to lose, but we all left everything out there on the court with our effort and that’s what we’ll continue to do.”
The playoffs represent a fresh start for the Riders, and Allen sees that as an opportunity to set right unmet potential from the Championship season.
“You never want to go out on a down note in win-or-go-home scenarios. We feel like we could have done a lot better throughout the year, and now is our chance to prove that.
“We are locked in as a unit, and it’s time for everyone to work towards a common goal. Anybody can get it. Whoever is in our way, we feel confident that we can win.”
TJ Lall
For the Riders’ end of season awards, TJ Lall was named the Defensive Player of the Year and Player’s Player to recognise his efforts.
Lall looked back on his performances, and how he grew into the season as it progressed:
“I feel like I’ve played my role all year. Whatever the team has needed I’ve been able to give. The second half was better than the first for me personally. Playing together more, we’ve been a more cohesive unit, which has helped my game.”
Despite a season filled with ups and downs, the Riders showed up with big wins in important spots all year.
A win-or-go-home victory in the Trophy against the Newcastle Eagles springs to mind, as well as wins against the Sheffield Sharks on the road and the Cheshire Phoenix at home down the stretch.
“We stepped up in some big games this season. But our mentality has to change now. We have to be more locked in and in tune. We’ll see the Sharks multiple times, so we have to adjust and be ready for their adjustments.”
On a similar note to Allen, Lall looks forward to the chance of showing the League what this unit is capable of.
“Everyone here wants to win. We know we’re talented and have not shown our full potential, and were ready to show it during the playoffs. The pressure is good for us. We play better under pressure.”
Duke Shelton
Duke Shelton, an American big who joined the Riders midseason, has stepped into the starting unit in recent weeks.
After an adjustment period where he looked to settle into the team, he feels comfortable in his role going into the playoffs.
“I’ve adapted really well and found my position within the team. I’ve enjoyed my time here so far.
“I feel like I’ve shown flashes of what I can do, but maybe not to my full potential yet. There’s been times where I’ve been consistent but I’m looking forward to what’s to come.
“Anytime you come into a new situation in the middle of the year it can be a little challenging finding your spot. Everyone is comfortable where they are and you don’t want to ruffle any feathers or step on toes. You want to come in, have good energy and try to help the team any way you can.”
Over the course of his nine-year professional career, Shelton has learned that postseason appearances are a valuable commodity, and is looking to make the most of his upcoming run.
“This is going to be my second time in the playoffs in my professional career. I’m looking forward to the atmosphere we’re going to be playing in. Everyone is going to step up and raise their level of play. It’s the playoffs, which is almost like a new season where anything can happen.”
And with the new season comes a new mentality, where the urgency is ramped up and everything is on the line. Shelton understands as much, and the team is ready to go.
“It’s a new mindset now. I’m sure the rest of the team feel the same way, and that also goes for the other teams in the league. We’re ready to compete.
“The team that’s willing to give a little bit more, most of the time, will win. Basketball is a game where the team with the fewest mistakes has a huge edge, so we need to be focussed and ready to play our best ball.”
Rob Paternostro
Five-time British Basketball League Playoff champion, Rob Paternostro, understands more than anybody what it takes to lift the silverware at the O2 Arena.
Since the Playoff Final has been played at the O2, the Riders have been there every year bar one, and Paternostro is keen to continue that trend.
“Once you get to the playoffs there’s so much urgency because if you don’t play well you’re going home. Everyone wants to be at the O2 by the end, and we’ve been there nearly every year. It’s wonderful to be there, so that’s always the goal.”
As was the case for most teams in the League, the gauntlet of the British Basketball League schedule saw ups and downs throughout the season.
But now that the dust has settled, Paternostro feels the team is in a good position to go on a postseason run.
“We had a tough last couple of games, but we’ve been similar to most teams this year on our ups and downs. It’s been a real grind.
“The changes to our roster had a positive impact for us midway through the season. Of course, injuries hurt us in the second half of the year with Jaren and TJ especially late, but at our best we feel like we’re a really good team, and we’re in good shape going into the playoffs.”
Tickets are on sale for the Riders’ round one home game against the Sheffield Sharks on May 4.
Tickets are 20% off until 11:59 pm on Wednesday, May 24. Get yours here!
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
Report: Riders finish Championship season with a win in Surrey
Leicester Riders concluded their British Basketball League Championship season with an 94-88 road win against the Surrey Scorchers.
Teddy Allen led the game with a red hot 30 point performance, going 11-22 from the field. Allen was cooking from deep, going 6-11 from behind the line, and draining back-to-back triples from deep three point range to get the Riders out of a deficit in the second quarter.
But it was Sesan Russell who got Leicester over the line, logging a season-high 20 points with 17 in the second half. His free throws sealed the game late, capping off an impressive display.
The win sees the Riders lock up the fifth seed for the postseason, ensuring they will face the Sheffield Sharks in the opening round of the Playoffs.
Scorchers survive sharpshooting Allen
Allen wasted no time in taking it to the Scorchers. A four point play, drawing contact from Abdul Mohamed, gave him 9 points in three minutes as the Riders took an 8-12 lead. He was into double figures quickly after with his third three of the game.
The highlights kept coming in a high-scoring first quarter. Next it was Jaren Holmes on the break, throwing it up for Miryne Thomas who threw it down with authority.
Despite the big plays, they couldn’t shake the hosts who had a hot hand of their own: Quin Cooper. He drained three triples early in a back-and-forth start. He stayed hot in the second, hitting from the corner to make it 27-28 with 11 minutes played.
Scorchers take initiative
An 8-0 Surrey run, highlighted by a breakaway jam from Tayo Ogendengbe, gave them their first separation of the afternoon.
The Riders responded with an and-one at the hoop from Russell, before Thomas connected on a tough fadeaway on the buzzer for his 12th points.
But a corner three from Mohamed took momentum back, and Cameron Copeland made a layup inside to give the hosts a nine point lead. He then went back up the floor and nailed a contested triple over Holmes, making it a double-digit advantage.
Teddy takeover
The Riders, whose high-level scoring to start the game cooled off in the Scorchers run, re-found their rhythm through Allen, who took over once again.
He drove to the rim for two, then drew contact for an and-one to pull the deficit down to eight. Testing his range, Allen went back-to-back from deep emphatically, pulling up from the car park and finding nothing but string.
He cut the game to a single possession as the half came to a close, but Dijiani Parkinson ended the quarter from three to make it 54-48 going into the locker rooms.
On fire out of the half
12 points in two and a half minutes gave the Riders the lead quickly after halftime. Allen got them going by driving inside and dishing to Russell, Thomas followed with an and-one play (his sixth make in as many shots), and Russell then tied the game at 56.
After a Cooper miss, Allen pulled up from the elbow and found the bottom of the bucket to force a Surrey timeout. He then made his tally 27 with a steal and score after the break.
Gooden stopped the Riders’ run with a three, but Leicester were back in it.
Riders win out in the clutch
With Russell shouldering the scoring load with buckets to end the third, Blake Bowman gave the Riders a four point lead with one to play, finishing on the fastbreak, plus the foul.
Leicester started fourth on a run to make it a seven point advantage, Russell staying hot to snatch the ball from Cooper and add another two to his now 13 point tally.
Surrey came storming back after stemming the Leicester momentum, however, and Mohamed’s three cut it to a one possession game with 4:52 left.
The Riders seized control, building off the interior defence of Sam Idowu. He sent away Gooden’s attempted layup, and on the other end Russell and Allen hit threes to put Leicester up nine.
Mohamed made an and-one to breathe life into the Surrey cause, but Holmes hit back with a finish inside.
Copeland had a chance to cut the game to four, but dribbled off his knee, and Russell sank his foul shots next time up for his 20th points, sealing the win.
A series with the Sharks
Game one against the Sheffield Sharks will take place on Sunday April 28 at 4 pm, and will be played at the Canon Medical Arena.
Game two, at the Mattioli Arena, will be played at 6 pm on May 4.
Stay tuned for information on game three, if necessary.
Trophy semi-final second leg preview: Riders vs Eagles
Teddy Allen named British Basketball League Player of the Month for February
Teddy Allen has been named February’s British Basketball League Player of the Month.
Allen averaged 28.6 points and 7.6 rebounds during February, including back-to-back 35 point performances.
He became the first British Basketball League player to score 35 in consecutive Championship games since 2012, and the second player to post 35 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists since 2008.
The Phoenix-born wing is the League’s leading scorer this season, putting up 24.8 points per game, and the Riders’ leading rebounder, pulling down 6.6 per game.
Mackenzie is one of the League’s premier playmakers, ranking top 10 in assists per game on the season. He is scoring 13 points per game from 44.9% shooting, and has been the team’s go to man in the clutch of late.
Riders duo named to 2024 British Basketball League All-Star Team
Leicester Riders duo Teddy Allen and Jaren Holmes have been voted 2024 British Basketball League All-Star starters.
They will suit up for the South, alongside London Lions guard Matthew Morgan and forward Sam Dekker, and Bristol Flyers center Brad Greene at the Copper Box Arena on March 24.
Allen is the League’s leading scorer, and has been named captain after amassing the most votes of any player in the South. Since signing with the Riders in mid-December, he’s putting up 26.4 points and 6.7 rebounds, while shooting 47.6% from the field and a red-hot 46.5% from three in the Championship.
Allen commented: “It always feels good to be recognised for what you do, in any light. Thank you to all the fans who took the time to vote!”
Holmes was the highest-voted player in the guard position in the South. He is logging 13.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game in the Championship this season, impressing in his rookie year.
Holmes commented: “It’s an honour to be voted an All-Star. I’m grateful to my teammates for putting me in the situations to be successful, and to the coaching staff for believing in my abilities day in and day out.
“Thank you the fans for voting me in, especially with this being my rookie year. I’m super excited to be making memories that will last a lifetime. I can’t wait to be there, and have a good time with the rest of the players.”
The full starting fives for the All-Star game are as follows.
Position
North
South
Guard
Larry Austin Jr. (c) –Newcastle Eagles
Matthew Morgan- London Lions
Guard
Jordan Johnson- Newcastle Eagles
Jaren Holmes- Leicester Riders
Forward
Aaryn Rai- Cheshire Phoenix
Teddy Allen (c)- Leicester Riders
Forward
Tajh Green- Newcastle Eagles
Sam Dekker- London Lions
Center
Ethan Chargois- Cheshire Phoenix
Brad Greene- BristolFlyers
The remainder of the team will be chosen by the two head coaches, Caledonia Gladiators’ Gareth Murray for the North and London Lions’ Petar Bozic for the South.
Leicester Riders made it four wins on the bounce with a 108-94 win against the Sheffield Sharks.
The win improved their record to 14-11 in the British Basketball League Championship, one win behind the Caledonia Gladiators in third.
Here’s how the Riders reacted to the win…
Teddy Allen- “Pressure is a privilege.”
Star guard Teddy Allen went off for his highest-scoring night in Riders red so far, exploding for 35 points and 12 rebounds.
It was one of only two such performances in the last 15 years in the British Basketball League, as the leading scorer continues to take the League by storm.
He put the scoring load on his back when the team needed him most last night.
“Pressure is a privilege,” said Allen, when asked how he handles the scoring responsibility when the Riders need a basket.
“I’m happy my teammates put me in those positions and that I could deliver for them when my opportunities arose. I’m just happy to get this win at home with my team.”
The Riders found themselves in a double-digit hole in the first half, and gave up the highest-scoring half in the Sharks’ season so far. Defence was the priority for the Riders to come back.
“We had to lock in on defence. You’re not going to win many games if you give up 57 in a half. We did that in the second half, and I’m proud of my guys.”
Allen has hit the ground running with the Riders since signing in December. He spoke about how his relationship with Head Coach Rob Paternostro has allowed him to succeed.
“We have a lot of trust in each other. He has never got on me for a shot- he just wants me to play my game, and he trusts me in those moments. I can do nothing but thank him and be appreciative to have a coach like that.”
Rob Paternostro- “He’s worth the price of admission!”
Coach Paternostro repaid the compliment from Allen, signing the American’s praises after the win.
“He’s worth the price of admission! He was awesome tonight. He had two quick fouls, but we rode him for a while, and he did a good job of not fouling.
“What’s impressive about Teddy is his stamina. He has the ball a lot and takes a lot of shots, but he doesn’t get tired. He can stay on the floor for a long time without me needing to give him a break. He came up big tonight.”
After a tough start to the game, unable to stop the Sharks’ scoring onslaught, Paternstro made adjustments at the half to slow Sheffield down.
“To give them credit, they were really shooting the ball well, and we struggled to guard them in the first half. But we knew if we were in the game after they shot like that, then this one could be ours.
“We had to do better in transition and stop second chance points, and we were much better defensively after halftime.”
The Riders saw it out in the clutch for the second straight game, after they beat the Caledonia Gladiators in the final minutes on the road last weekend.
Getting wins out of close games has given the group confidence in those situations.
“It was an entertaining game! Anyone who was here tonight enjoyed that. We really made the big plays late in the game, which we’ve been doing as of late. We played really well in the second half.
“Our guys were really confident late in the game. When it’s tight, we feel like we can see the game out, and earlier in the year, we didn’t have the same confidence after we lost a couple of close ones.”
It’s a quick turnaround for the Riders, who head to Plymouth to take on the Patriots on Sunday afternoon. Rest and recovery is the priority for the Riders.
“Rest is our biggest focus now. We know Plymouth can be a difficult opponent and challenging on the road. It’s our first time there this season, so we have to go down here and have a solid game to finish the weekend right.”
The Riders return to the Mattioli Arena on March 1, taking on the Cheshire Phoenix.
Lall drained two clutch threes when the game was tight in the fourth, building a platform for the Riders to see the game out from.
His size and strength down low provided much-needed resistance at the rim and on the glass, and his game-leading index rating of 27 demonstrates his impact on the game.
“I was getting open shots at the beginning, saw a couple of shots go down and kept shooting,” said Lall post-game.
“TJ is an excellent player,” added Head Coach Paternostro.
“He can play multiple positions and fill multiple roles. He doesn’t have to score. It doesn’t have to be about that for him. He can play defence, pass and rebound, so he’s a really valuable player for this team.”
Riders show their strength in depth
The Riders, having made two additions to their roster in a month with the arrival of Teddy Allen and Duke Shelton, flexed their strength in depth last night as they achieved a century of points.
Ten Riders saw court time, five of which scored in double-digits led by Allen’s 21, Lall’s 19 and Miryne Thomas’ 16 points.
Every Riders player finished with a positive +/- in the win, the most effective being Thomas, who finished with a +/- of 19 in a near-triple double performance.
MT from Downtown 🔥
Riders leading 21-14 with 3 minutes to play in the first.
This proved a significant advantage over a short-handed Giants team, who in the absence of leading scorer and GB international Jamell Anderson, fielded seven players for significant minutes.
Being able to transition seamlessly between the first and second unit is a strength of this Riders roster as the games progress.
Want to see your Riders at the British Basketball League All-Star game?
New Riders signing Duke Shelton impressed on his first Riders outing after joining the team only the day before.
In six minutes, the American forward put up 6 points and 6 rebounds, 3 on the offensive end. His energy saw him all over the offensive glass, making an impact where he could during his limited court time.
“I thought he was great today,” said Paternostro following Shelton’s performance. “He only practised with us for the first time yesterday, so he came into the game not knowing a lot of our stuff, but with his effort, he deserved more minutes than I gave him tonight.
“He’s something we haven’t had with his athleticism and ability to run from the centre spot. He did a good job tonight.”
Allen’s infectious impact
The Riders are 5-2 in all competitions since the arrival of CEBL Teddy Allen, who has led the team in scoring in every appearance so far this season.
This time, it was 21 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals, which led all scorers in the game.
He has sparked life into the team, who are playing with confidence as they look to attack the month of January and lift the Trophy in Birmingham.
Lall, who played against Allen in the CEBL this summer as he suited up for the Niagara River Lions, complimented an overlooked aspect of Allen’s game: his defence.
“He’s helped us a lot defensively and takes the pressure off our defence on the other end with his scoring,” said Lall. “He makes our team way better.”
Win, and we’re in
The Riders’ 2-1 record in Group B means a win next week in Newcastle will most likely be enough to see Leicester through to the semi-finals in Birmingham.
The Newcastle Eagles take on the Bristol Flyers on Friday evening, and a win would also give them a 2-1 record entering the faceoff against the Riders.
This would mean a win would see both teams through, creating a knockout environment in the clash between the two long-standing rivals.
For Leicester, regardless of permutations elsewhere, the focus is on the win on the road. With nine days between the Giants and Eagles games, they can rest up and prepare for the showdown.
Teddy Allen named in British Basketball League Team of the Week
Riders guard Teddy Allen has been named to the British Basketball League Team of the Week following his opening two Trophy performances.
On Friday against the Bristol Flyers, Allen led the Riders to a 95-74 win with 30 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists- his second 30-point outing since signing with the team in mid-December.
December Dominance: How Teddy Allen won Player of the Month
Teddy Allen has been named the British Basketball League Player of the Month for December following an explosion on the British basketball scene.
The American guard and reigning CEBL MVP did so after signing to the club three games into the month, dominating his first four games in Riders red to win the award.
Dazzling Debut
Allen hit the ground running with the Riders, leading the team to a win against the Caledonia Gladiators with the highest-scoring debut since 2016.
He scored 32 points, and a late dagger three to win it in the clutch. Allen finished the game with 6 rebounds and 3 assists in 28 minutes off the bench.
“I had to keep my mind and my body right through the last few months, and for that I thank God, but there’s definitely more to come from me,” said Allen after the game.
“My legs felt better than I thought they would. I’m a hooper, so it feels good to be playing in front of people again.”
Buckets by name, buckets by nature
Teddy “Buckets” scoring went unmatched through December. He averaged 23.8 points over the four games, including two 20-point game and a 30-point performance on his debut.
Allen is the League’s best-ranked bucket-getter early in his Riders tenure. He’s carried his hot form from the CEBL where he set the single-game regular season and postseason scoring records this summer.
His scoring ability generated much-needed offensive firepower to the Riders’ roster, and his gravitational pull on the court opened up space for his teammates to succeed.
Turning fortunes
Arriving to the team with a 7-10 record, Allen helped the Riders back to winning ways since his first appearance.
Leicester went 3-1 with Allen on court, taking victories against the Manchester Giants, Sheffield Sharks and Gladiators to bring their record to 10-11.
With the newly revamped British Basketball League Trophy in full swing, the Riders will look to translate their recent performance to make a run at the silverware.
Teddy Allen named British Basketball League Player of the Month for December
Riders guard Teddy Allen has been named Molten British Basketball League Player of the Month for December!
Allen, a new arrival who made his League debut on December 15, has exploded onto the British basketball scene in his four games so far in Riders red, averaging a League-leading 23.8 points and 5.5 rebounds.
His 32 point debut against Caledonia Gladiators was the highest-scoring debut in the British Basketball League since 2016.
Teddy “Buckets” followed up the 30-piece with 22 points against the Manchester Giants, 17 against the Bristol Flyers and 25 to close out 2023 against the Sheffield Sharks.
This summer’s CEBL MVP has lived up to his stellar reputation in the early stages of his Riders tenure and looks to lead the team to a successful British Basketball League Trophy campaign in January.
“It’s an honour to win this award,” commented Allen. “It feels great to bring positive attention to the team.
“Thank you to my teammates and coaches for putting me in a position to succeed, and thank you to everybody who voted for me!
“Now it’s time to continue to work hard and try and bring the Trophy home.”
Allen has enjoyed a dream start to Leicester life, his two games so far both earning him a place on the team after putting up 32 points and six rebounds on his debut.
He returns to action on December 28 to take on the Bristol Flyers.
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.”
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.”
We sat down with new signing Teddy Allen to talk about his arrival in the British Basketball League.
It was a whirlwind week that saw Allen sign in Leicester. Following talks with Managing Director Russell Levenston, he headed straight to the UK to join the team.
“On Thursday, Russell called me to ask if I wanted to come and play for the Riders. I hadn’t played since the CEBL in the summer, so I was itching to get out on the court. I was on a flight the next day.”
Allen played alongside former Bristol Flyers Jelani Watson-Gayle for the Winnipeg Sea Bears in the summer.
In Canada, he competed in the League featuring both Kimbal Mackenzie and TJ Lall, the British Basketball League connection helping to inform his decision to sign with the Riders.
“I knew that Jelani played here. I talked to him about the League, and he had great things to say.”
“It’s cool being able to compete with and against guys in different countries. It should be fun being able to go against them.”
The American joins the team after a historic CEBL season, where his ability was on full display throughout the summer. Allen described his game:
“I’m always attacking the hoop, and I’m versatile on both ends of the floor. I can score the ball, make plays, rebound and compete on both ends. Right now, I’m trying to get my legs under me the best I can and get ready to help the team in any way.”
Leicester Riders’ new man, Teddy Allen, joins the team after a history-making season in the CEBL.
Here, we reflect on how Allen made waves in Canadian hoops…
Getting Buckets
Teddy “Buckets” put on a never-seen-before scoring clinic this summer. Over the season, Allen failed to score over 20 on just three occasions, putting up 40 points twice and 30 points five times in 20 games played.
His 27.6 points average was the second most in CEBL history, as the three-point marksman drained a league-high 72 triples on 36.5% shooting from behind the arc.
His 40 and 30-point explosions broke regular and post-season records, hitting highs never seen before.
Single-game scoring record
Allen broke the CEBL single-game scoring record in only his third appearance as a Sea Bear.
He caught fire for 42 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists against his former team, the Scarborough Shooting Stars, going 14-20 from the field and 11-13 from the foul line.
Winnipeg needed every one of his points as they edged past the Shooting Stars 98-93. Allen led them down the stretch, sealing the victory with a runner in transition with 19 seconds remaining.
It was the second game of a back-to-back for Allen, who put the team on his back for 40 minutes to stuff the stat sheet.
Early in the season, Allen planted his flag as the best player in the league with his record-breaking performance.
Single-game playoff scoring record
Allen made his name as a post-season performer later that season, breaking the CEBL single-game playoff scoring record with 35 points against the Edmonton Stingers.
It was another double-double for Allen who grabbed 10 rebounds in the game, as the Sea Bears fell just short 87-81 in the opening round of the Playoffs.
Allen made big shots down the stretch to keep Winnipeg in the game. His craftiness driving inside and finding space around the rim had no response from his opponents on the night.
The game ended his season in the CEBL, in which his performances earned him the MVP award.
Most Valuable Player
With his league-leading, history-making performances all season long, Allen was named the first CEBL Most Valuable Player in Winnipeg Sea Bears history.
Leading the team to the playoffs, Allen put up 27.3 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. He ranked top 10 in the CEBL in points (27.6), total assists (77), rebounds (8.0), and steals (1.7), and he led the league in three-pointers made (72).
🏆🔥 They don’t call him ‘Teddy buckets’ for nothing!
Nine of the Sea Bears’ 12 wins were within single digits, and three came down to the final possession, as Winnipeg needed every point from the record-breaking Allen to guide them to the postseason.
In his second CEBL campaign, Allen established himself as the league’s elite scorer.
Leicester Riders sign 2023 CEBL Most Valuable Player Teddy Allen
Leicester Riders are delighted to announce the signing of 2023 CEBL Most Valuable Player Teddy Allen for the remainder of the 2023/24 season.
The 6’6” guard from Phoenix, Arizona, broke multiple CEBL scoring records for the Winnipeg Sea Bears this summer, earning him the MVP award and the nickname “Teddy Buckets”.
He dropped 42 points against the Scarborough Shooting Stars to match the CEBL single-game scoring record, before going off for 35 points to break the league’s playoff scoring record in the same season.
Allen ranked top ten in the CEBL in points (27.6), total assists (77), rebounds (8.0) and steals (1.7), and led the league in three-pointers made (72).
The 25-year-old became the first Sea Bear to win MVP in the franchise’s history.
Allen spent his final college season at New Mexico State University, where he led the Aggies to a first-round NCAA Tournament upset of the fifth-seeded UConn Huskies with a game-high 37 points.
12-seed Aggies with a double-digit lead at the half 👀
He led the Western Athletic Conference in scoring, averaging 19.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals as a senior.
Leicester Riders Head Coach Rob Paternostro commented: “We’re excited to have Teddy on the team. I watched a lot of him in the CEBL this summer, and he was a standout player. He can score in a lot of different ways, and he’s a good size for someone who can handle the ball, so that makes him a difficult player to guard.
“We knew it was important to get a player or two in, but we wanted to make sure it was the right player for a team, which takes time. It’s exciting to get a player of this calibre, and the ability he’s shown will make him a great addition to the group. To add a player with that ability gives us optimism going forward.
🏆🔥 They don’t call him ‘Teddy buckets’ for nothing!
“I’d like to extend my thanks to Mike Taylor, who is a long-time friend of mine in the profession and a well-respected head coach for Winnipeg. I trust his opinion, and he had great things to say about Teddy. We both believe this will be a great spot for him.”
Allen commented: “I’m incredibly happy to be a Leicester Rider. This is a great franchise with a long history of winning, and I hope to contribute to the club’s historic success.
“I spoke to Coach Taylor before I signed, and he had nothing but respect for Coach Rob and the organisation. I can’t wait to meet the team and the fans in Leicester, and get to work!”
Leicester Riders Managing Director Russell Levenston added: “We’re thrilled to welcome a player of Teddy’s calibre to the Riders. He established himself as one of the CEBL’s elite players, so we’re excited to see the impact he’ll have on the team.
“We were incredibly impressed by what we saw from him in the summer, and we are looking forward to him bringing his immense talent to Leicester. We can’t wait to see him suited up in Riders red!”
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