That Jeron Teng dropped to as low as the fifth pick in the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft on Sunday was truly a shocker. But for the 23-year-old La Sallian, that does not matter to him, as he is all set to realize his dream of being a pro.
“It doesn’t matter for me… Kahit anong pick ako, magiging happy ako dahil ito talaga dream ko: maging PBA [player] ever since nung bata ako, masundan yung footsteps ng dad ko,” said Teng, who was drafted by the Alaska Aces.
“Happy lang ako na natawag yung name ko and happy ako na napunta ako sa team na maganda yung reputation [like] Alaska,” added the second-generation cager, “I’m very happy na magiging part ako ng family ng Alaska.”
But before indulging in the thought that he will finally be a pro, the two-time UAAP gold medalist is aware of the work that he has to put in, and that he has to prove himself worthy of having a spot in the Aces’ line-up.
“I have to start from zero. Siyempre mag-start ako sa pinakababa and I have to work for my minutes. If I have to, then I’ll do it, I’ll work hard even more,” Teng said, “Gusto ko talaga i-prove sa sarili ko dito sa PBA and that’s what I’ll do.
“I’ll put more work into it. I’m up for the challenge naman.”
Teng is expected to provide quality minutes playing the three spot, but it will be a daunting task to fulfill, since the Milkmen’s top wingman is none other than Calvin Abueva. But he is looking forward to that looming opportunity.
“Si The Beast, alam naman natin super energy player siya. ‘Pag makita mo yung star player mo ganun, siyempre mapapasunod ka talaga,” he said.
“Very excited ako to play with him and very overwhelmed ako sa nangyayari.”
Regarding fitting into coach Alex Compton’s system, Teng proudly claims that he can fit in seamlessly, as he already has vast knowledge of Alaska’s schemes, which are similar to the ones they ran in La Salle.
“Siyempre yung last year ko naman (sa La Salle), grabe yung press namin dun,” Teng recalled, referring to the “Mayhem” defensive scheme.
“So I think ‘pag nag-press kami dito sa Alaska, it won’t be new to me.”
