It’s one thing to know that you belong, it’s another to prove that you can win
Fifth overall pick in the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft Jeron Teng had 16 points and three rebounds with no turnovers during his first-ever PBA game last December 20. He followed this up with a 28-point, 10-rebound, five-assist, four-steal, and zero-turnover outing Friday evening.
Both were impressive showings. Both, however, resulted in a loss as the Alaska Aces suffered a 98-106 loss to TNT.
The 6-foot-2 forward could not even muster a smile, dejected as another game ended up with a loss.
“Siyempre no matter how good your game is if you don’t get the win it’s nothing,” the 23-year-old lamented.
In the dying seconds of the game, Teng even tried to will the Aces by knocking down two triples in the final 40 seconds of the contest but to no avail. And his determination drew wide praise from his mentor Alex Compton.
“Jeron’s been great. He’s a winner, he’s tough, he’s coachable,” said the fourth-year Alaska coach.
“One of, I think all of us coaches, one of our pet peeves are when young players think that they’re king of the world because they had a decent college career and they think that they’re all this and all that and you know,” he furthered. “Jeron actually had an awesome college career, he’d had an awesome high school career and he’s humble and coachable. And more than his 28 points and 10 rebounds today, his toughness showed.
“I think Alvin and Susan (Jeron’s parents) should be congratulated the way they raised him because he’s a good coachable kid.”
With his dedication, Teng has been starting games for the veteran-laden team. But even if he has been given this opportunity, Teng wants to repay it by giving the Milkmen the win that has eluded them so far.
“Super grateful ako na nabibigyan ako ng chance to play like this pero alam ko yung binibigay sa aking playing time I really have to show up,” the two-time UAAP Finals Most Valuable Player expressed.
“I really have to contribute and help the team win.”
