Nine years ago was the last time brothers Jeric and Jeron Teng played together, during their high school days in Xavier School.
On Friday, September 22, the two will reunite on the court, all thanks to the opportunity given by Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas. And they could not be more excited withit.
“Very excited lang ako,” said Jeron. “It’s the first time playing for the same team since high school. This is something bigger eh. It’s playing for the country and it’s a great chance to represent the country together.”
“Sobrang excited ako to share the same court with Jeron ulit,” added the elder Teng, on the other hand. “First time kami magkakasama ulit… Since alam na namin yung laro ng isa’t isa, nakaka-tulong.
“Mas nagiging close kami.”
During that nine years, a lot has happened to Jeric and Jeron’s respective careers.
The former has seen little success in the pros, while the latter has proven himself as one of the country’s finest both in the collegiate and in the amateur ranks.
“Sobrang iba na yung knowledge namin in basketball. Parehas kami nag-mature na eh,” said the University of Santo Tomas product of the growth that has happened to him and the La Salle great.
For Jeron though, he believes that their stint with Chooks in the 2017 FIBA Asia Champions Cup will be a great avenue for Jeric to reintroduce himself especially to the PBA, where he last played for Mahindra this year.
“This is a big opportunity for him, especially now that he has no commitment to any team. It’s an opportunity for him to showcase what he can do. I’ve always believed in my brother and I know what he’s capable of,” said Jeron,
“It’s a good experience for him — a chance to show what he’s got.”
And that is a challenge Jeric is more than willing to accept.
“Siyempre big opportunity ito. Malaking challenge ang makakaharap natin. So kung maganda ang ipakita natin dito, may mag-take chance ulit sa akin sa PBA,” said Jeric, Rain or Shine’s 12th overall pick in the 2013 PBA Draft.
“But that’s not my main focus right now. Ang focus is to really help the team win dito sa Champions Cup.”
Still, regardless whatsoever, the second generation cagers are elated as they have finally realized their dream of teaming up once more after so long.
“Talagang dream namin magkakampi ulit,” Jeric shared. “Sobrang blessing na sa national team pa kami nagkasama ni Jeron.
“Very happy and we’ll do our best to help the team win.”
