Career
Tein"s professional career started at the Estonian team KK Tartu (today known as Tartu Ülikool/Rock) in the 1993-1994 season, when he joined at age of 15. In 2004–2005 season he signed with the Bundesliga club ALBA Berlin. Tein came back to Tartu in 2006 and played for Tartu Ülikool/Rock team
In May 2010, Tein announced that he will not continue playing basketball as a professional.
On 11 June 2010 Tanel Tein gained media attention after being brought down by the rescuers from the top of the Arched Bridge (Kaarsild) in Tartu, where he had fallen asleep while being drunk. 1999-1900 Estonian League (Tartu Ülikool/Rock).