MVP Allen returning to Sea Bears

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This article was published 07/02/2024 (619 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A year ago, Teddy Allen was unknown to Winnipeg basketball fans.

On Wednesday, getting the reigning MVP of the Canadian Elite Basketball League’s signature on a new one-year contract was big news for the Sea Bears and their fans.

“I didn’t really look into many other options,” said Allen, by phone from Leicester, England, where he plays for the British Basketball League’s Leicester Riders. “I wouldn’t play with anyone else in the CEBL at this point right now. There’s (a league in) Puerto Rico but I definitely liked what we started to build in Winnipeg. I love the fans and coach Mike (Taylor), we’ve been in contact ever since the season ended. We probably talk every week. So, just with my relationship with him and just how my career has went, I appreciate the opportunity to play with the organization for two years in a row.”

The addition of the 25-year-old Phoenix product comes during the first week CEBL clubs are permitted to sign players on their protected lists.

“Last year was a fantastic first season,” said Taylor, from his home base in Jacksonville, Fla. “We raised the bar for expansion teams and showed what the potential is in Winnipeg. We’re all very proud of it. Teddy’s MVP season and his record-breaking scoring games were a huge part of it, but he also was a fan favourite. So, it was really just a slam dunk for us to say, ‘Hey, let’s sign Teddy back.’”

Allen, who helped the Sea Bears smash the league’s single-game and season attendance records, averaged 27.2 points per game to lead the expansion club to a conference best 12-8 regular-season record last summer. He also led all CEBL guards by averaging 7.9 rebounds per game, equalled the league’s single-game scoring record with 42 points against the Scarborough Shooting Stars on June 2 and was named to the first all-star squad.

“I feel like Winnipeg is kind of my baby, too, you know,” said Allen. “It’s kind of special to be a part of a team for a first year and to be able to have the success we had as a team and what I was able to have individually. It’s definitely exciting to go back and see wherever you can take it this year and continue to build the brand and continue to grow basketball in the town that loves us so much.”

Since arriving in Leicester, Allen has been named the BBL’s player of the month for December, averaging 23 points per game while also leading all players in all-star voting. The BBL season ends May, coinciding with the start of CEBL training camps.

“I’ve been playing the most minutes on the team, but my coach tends to like a little rotation so it’s not as much as I’m used to playing,” said Allen. “Some games I’ll play like 28, 30 minutes, so as opposed to 35, 37 or 40. I would say it’s manageable.”

The Sea Bears are in Saskatoon on May 22 to open the season against the Saskatchewan Rattlers.

Allen said he won’t alter his high-flying playing style when he returns to Winnipeg.

“I’m still gonna be me, I’m still gonna attack and have the ball, be a leader on the team,” said Allen. “But I’m always working to play with great players. Because I feel like I’m a great player and I feel like great players know how to play with each other. So, I don’t anticipate much of a difference in my role. If anything, there’ll just be more pieces helping me out.”

Taylor expects Allen to arrive in Winnipeg in top form.

“Last year he had to work himself to get into shape and it took a little time once he got into Winnipeg to kind of get back into the rhythm of the game,” said Taylor. “Now, it’s a little different story. He will be sharp. He will be game ready. And it’s about making sure he’s rested and fresh and ready to go. So, we’ll be flexible. We’ll see how everything looks when he arrives.”

Despite winning CEBL MVP honours in 2023, Allen waited patiently to regain his professional footing and had hoped to earn a contract from an NBA or G League team. That offer never materialized.

“I wouldn’t say I was surprised — I’ve learned how it goes,” said Allen, who changed agents over the winter. “I’ve learned the politics of things. I just wish my situation would have been handled better with my representation.”

In addition to Allen, Winnipeg’s protected list included point guard Glen Yang and forwards Chad Posthumus, Shayne Osayande and Stephane Ingo. All five played for Winnipeg in 2023.

The Sea Bears can negotiate with these players until March 2. If an agreement isn’t reached by then, the athletes are free to sign elsewhere.

Two hometown free agents who could interest Taylor are guard Jarred Ogungbemi-Jackson, currently playing for Minsk in the Russian VTB United League, and forward Emmanuel Akot, who’s suiting up for Heroes den Bosch in the Netherlands.

“He was on our radar last year,” said Taylor of Ogungbemi-Jackson, a University of Calgary grad. “This is the thing about the CEBL — you try to get as many good players as you can to be involved. Jarred is a hometown guy. He’s a great player. We’ve had lengthy conversations last year and gave him the opportunity to be involved but unfortunately, his contract situation overseas with his team in France changed his perspective when the opportunity was there for him. Now we’ll see.”

Akot, who played NCAA Division I basketball at Arizona, Boise State and Western Kentucky, signed with the Ottawa BlackJacks late last season.

“He’s unprotected by Ottawa so he’s open,” said Taylor. “We’ve tracked him all season.”

mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.ca