PC’s Battle: C’s Teague excited

Battle part of Wake Forrest coaching staff during Teague years

The person who was largely responsible for Jeff Teague’s recruitment to Wake Forest University says the 32-year-old point guard can’t wait to start a new chapter with the Boston Celtics.

“I know he’s excited and looking forward to being a part of the Celtics,” said Jeff Battle, the current Providence College basketball assistant who was on the Wake Forest coaching staff during Teague’s two-year run at the ACC school (2007-09).

With Kemba Walker sidelined to start the season with a knee injury, the Celtics figure to count heavily on Teague, who’s set to tip off his 12th season in the NBA as Boston hosts Milwaukee in the season opener for both clubs Wednesday night.

Besides Marcus Smart, it’s imperative that someone else on Boston’s roster makes sure to get the ball to Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.

This is where Teague figures prominently into the discussion.

“He’s an experienced guard and someone who’s been a starter in the league for a long time,” said Battle in a phone interview prior to Providence flying out to Indianapolis for one more pre-Christmas Big East game that’s set for Wednesday against Butler. “Hopefully he fits what they want him to do and he’s willing to fulfill any role that’s presented. At this stage of his career, all he wants to do is win. I think it’s a very good fit.”

Flashing back to a time when Teague was a rising high school talent in Indianapolis, Battle noted that his first impression of him came in Arkansas at an AAU tournament.

“I was there watching another game and caught him out of the corner of my eye on another court. From there, I followed him the rest of the spring and summer,” said Battle, now in his sixth season as a Friar assistant coach after spending from 2001-14 at Wake Forest.

The tracking of Teague led Battle to Pike High School in Indianapolis. The more Battle saw Teague play in person, the more he was drawn to the attributes you would want in a point guard.

“He was very skilled and athletic, but I liked the fact that he could get places with the ball. He had another gear,” said Battle. “I thought he could be an NBA player.”

Battle recalled that it was tough to get an accurate read on Teague throughout the recruiting process. Basically, Teague was the quiet type.

“When he came to Wake to visit, I called his dad (Shawn) and asked what Jeff likes to do and what type of food he likes. He said, ‘Coach, he’s really simple,’” said Battle. “He was reserved throughout the weekend. When he got on the plane, I remember [then-Wake Forest head coach Dino Gaudio] saying that we’re not going to get him. I’m not sure that he liked us.”

In a follow-up conversation with Shawn Teague, Battle’s fears were quickly laid to rest.

“His dad said he loved it,” said Battle. “Come to find out, Jeff was very observant. He kind of knew what he wanted. I just think he wanted to see the campus and meet us in person and go from there. He ended up committing after the visit.”

Watching Teague’s career unfold from afar, Battle noted that, “When you’ve seen guys who you have recruited and coached, you’re really excited about the success that they have. He’s also maintained being a very good person. I’m proud of him. I’m sure he has a lot more years left in the tank.

“It’s also exciting because he’s right down the road from me right now,” said Battle.