VERNON Teel has made quite an impression with the Leopards already this season – but he has not finished yet.

The 24-year-old American currently has more points than any player in the English Basketball League.

And his fine form has helped Leopards secure the National Cup and a club record run of 12 straight league victories However, the point guard still remains hungry for further success and is keen help his side win the regular season and then also the play-offs.

“The season has been something of a success for us, but we have a lot more to accomplish as a team,” said Teel.

“We’ve won the cup final already and had a 12 match winning streak but hopefully we can keep that alive for longer.

“That’s because we now want to go on to win the regular season and the play-offs too.”

Leopards are currently joint leaders at the top of the table and Teel has played a prominent part in their success.

He has bagged 397 points in 16 league outings and, in all competitions, averages 25.41 points per game in what is gradually becoming a stunning first season for Veel since leaving college in his homeland.

“Leopards is my first professional club and I’ve been pleased with how it’s going,” said Teel who studied at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles.

“I wouldn’t use the word confident to describe how I felt before coming here because I have always been a believer of hardwork.

“What you put in to the game of basketball is what you will get out of it so all my hardwork from the summer and during this season I would say is paying off at the moment.”

Teel, who was tracked on the internet by coach Dejan Mihevc before making the switch to Essex in late August, will be continuing to work hard during Leopards’ run in and they face two much crucial clashes this weekend.

The team travel to bottom of the table Westminster Warriors on Saturday before hosting title rivals Derby Trailblazers at the Brentwood Centre the following day.

Leopards will be aiming for two more triumphs as they strive to continue their progression.

Club chiefs hope that can help them rise back in to the British Basketball League next season.

And Teel has not ruled out staying for another season.

“Staying here with the Leopards would be interesting,” said Teel.

“I love the chairman Fred Dicker and community director Gareth Roberts but I have no input or thoughts about going in to the BBL.

“I’m just focused on the EBL right now and trying to win it.”