The British Basketball League is showcasing its best talent in the All-Star Game on Sunday - and not many are shining brighter than Teddy Allen.
The All-Star Game has returned to the British Basketball League for the 2024 season. On Sunday, there will be a North vs. South showdown after fan votes determined the 10 starters - with Allen named captain of the South.
Allen, the reigning Canadian Elite Basketball League MVP, is getting ready to suit up alongside some of the very best the league has to offer. He will feature on the court with former NBA forward and current London Lions star Sam Dekker, and Allen is ready to take in the atmosphere of the unique event.
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“Anytime you can get recognised for your craft is humbling and it will be fun to play with the best players in the league and put on a show for the fans,” Allen exclusively told Mirror Sport. “I’m looking forward to seeing how competitive it is, what type of vibe guys are on. I’m excited to see my teammates out there and how we’ll gel with others out there.
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“It’s all fun and for the fans. Guys aren’t holding onto rivalries or the standings. We’re all here to play together and put on a show. Obviously, people are going to want to make their mark and showcase their skills, and leave their mark. I’m going to put up some shots, maybe chuck up some deep ones; I’m gonna feel it out and get some buckets, for sure.”
When watching him on the court, it’s easy to see why Allen has been bestowed with the nickname ’Teddy Buckets’. Since arriving and signing with Leicester on December 8th, Allen has averaged 23.6 points per game along with 6.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists. On his debut against the Caledonia Gladiators, he casually dropped 32 points and hasn’t looked back. Allen thanked the setup in Leicester for embracing him after he abruptly joined the team from Belgium’s Leuven Bears.
“I wanna give a shoutout to my coaches and teammates for just welcoming me in and helping me learn things quickly because it’s obviously hard for anybody to join a team midway through the season, but it’s a testament to them,” Allen said. “It’s my second year as a pro but I’ve been playing a long time and it feels like I have a decent basketball IQ to figure out how to make my mark. That’s what I try to do each game to help my team win, so luckily it’s been able to happen.”
Teddy Allen has showcased his incredible scoring ability throughout his short spell with the Leicester Riders (British Basketball League)During his interview, Allen is rocking a 1998 NBA All-Star shirt ("Shoutout 'Underrated tees' in Winnipeg"). The shirt has Chicago Bulls icon Michael Jordan and Los Angeles Lakers icon Kobe Bryant emblazoned on it, and while Allen says wearing the shirt ahead of the All-Star Game was purely coincidental, nothing feels by accident - especially when Allen sets foot on the court.
His playstyle is smooth yet calculated, unassuming but by design. His unique blend is taking British basketball by storm; Allen is the British Basketball League’s very own Paul Pierce or Luka Doncic.
“A lot of people say I’m a scorer but I feel like I’m a scoring playmaker,” Allen added. “I feel like I can make plays on both sides of the ball, and I can affect the game with my scoring, but I also help my teammates play better whether I find them or cause the defense to pay attention to me. Someone I feel I play like is Paul Pierce.
“I got a little Luka in me. He’s sick, but I feel like I just play at my own speed, can’t really rush me and I feel like I do a good job getting to where I want to go on the floor so I can be productive.”
Over 12 British Basketball League games, Teddy Allen ranked second in points per game behind Quade Green (24.8 PPG in 5 games) (British Basketball League)With the final stretch of the season approaching, Allen wants his Riders to lock in and get hot to position themselves for a postseason run. The Lions will likely be the Goliath in their way, but Allen typically fancies his Leicester to upset the odds.
“We want to try to position ourselves as best we can to make a run for the championship - if you’re not playing for a championship, what are you playing for?” Allen declared. “We can definitely do it. Everyone can beat everyone in this league so I’m not putting it past us. It’s usually the team that gets hot down the stretch that ends up winning so why not us?”
And what next for Teddy Buckets?
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“I just want to complete the season healthy and go into camp healthy. I just want to play my best. Long-term, I want to go to the NBA. I feel like I have the talent to do so, it’s just about having the right steps and plays to make that journey and make that leap.”
“Fans can tune into the British Basketball League All-Star Game live from the Copper Box Arena, London on Sky Sports and Sky Sports YouTube channel from 12:15pm on Sunday 17th March.”
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