By WAYLON GALVEZ
Manila, Philippines – Even after a stellar collegiate career that includes a stint in the UAAP Finals the past two seasons, University of Santo Tomas ace guard Jeric Teng knows he needs to learn more things and improve his shooting skills as he prepares for his first season in the PBA.
“Actually marami pang kulang (on my game),” said Teng.
“Siyempre ibang level na yan (PBA). But like from high school, and then to college, same transition naman ‘yan. Like I’ve said, I have to be quicker, mas malakas kailangan, and mas efficient din ako sa dribbling and shooting,” added Teng.
The 6-foot-2, 22-year-old son of former PBA player Alvin Teng is among the aspirants that applied for the Rookie Draft set Nov. 3, and after his impressive performance in the previous UAAP Season, Teng is expected to be in the Top 10 (first round).
However, just like other PBA hopefuls, Teng is nervous on what will happen in the Draft.
“Of course I’m nervous, because you’ll never know what will happen there (Draft). Hopefully makuha ako ng team na kukunin ako (and not trade). Basta any team, na siguro mas kailangan ako sana which I can help (win),” said Teng.
According to Teng, he was weighing his options first if he will join the Draft, or stay in the amateur PBA D-League.
After consulting his father and mother Susan, he decided this is the perfect time for him since PBA coaches and scouts were able to see him play in the UAAP Finals against De La Salle University, which features his younger brother Jeron.
After averaging 14.9 points with 4.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists in the elimination round, he elevated his scoring to 23 points in the Finals on 44 percent shooting from the field. The Tigers won Game 1, but lost the next two games as the Green Archers bagged the title.
“Siyempre I’m very blessed dahil na rin siguro nakapaglaro ako sa Finals, may chance ako magpakita,” Teng said. “I think kahit paano naman, nakita pa ng mga tao how much I wanted to win, siguro ‘yun na ang pwede ma-consider ng (PBA) teams.”