By Brian Yalung
Manila, Philippines – UAAP Season 76 is over and we have a new champion in the De La Salle Green Archers.
The match is certainly one for the books, going the distance as the final game needed 5 more minutes before the Green Archers clinched the UAAP crown via a 71-69 OT win.
Jeron Teng was adjudged the UAAP Finals MVP but had mixed emotions after the smoke cleared, feeling the pain and disappointment that his elder brother Jeric is dealing with. It was Jeric’s last game in college and from here, everyone is expecting Jeric to join the upcoming PBA draft.
The move is expected by most, considering that Jeric’s talent and colorful career are more than enough for him to join the likes of Joseph Yeo and Ty Tang who have so far been surviving in the PBA.
“I would love to play with any team na talagang makakatulong ako, na gusto rin ako” Jeric replied.
However, there could be one thing that could prevent Jeric from joing the PBA and this would be an invite to the Gilas Cadet squad.
“Siyempre it would be an honor for me kasi lahat naman ng basketball players gusto masama sa team na yun” Jeric said.
So if given the choice, which would Jeric choose between Gilas and the PBA?
“Siguro Gilas… depende kasi eh” Jeric replied safely.
After a heartbreaking loss to an otherwise rollercoaster season for the former Xavier School star, career plans are still in the doldrums.
Jeric is obviously still trying to get over the disappointing finish, a 2-point loss, that is certainly a bitter pill to swallow for any fierce competitor.
But with his consistent showing in the UAAP finals paired with his hoop smarts, rest assured PBA teams have taken notice.
In fact, Globalport has already shown interest in Jeric should he officially join this year’s draft. With all the cards laid down, everything now falls on the Tengs.
The only thing clear for the moment is that we haven’t seen the last of Jeric Teng just yet as far as basketball is concerned.