Jeron Teng struggled to keep himself on the bench during the first quarter of Flying V’s match-up against Marinerong Pilipino, Monday night. But as the Seafarers’ lead balooned to a game-high 18 points early in the second frame, Teng, huffing and coughing, talked to the coaching staff of coach Eric Altamirano.
“He said, ‘Coach allow me to play. Let me play and help the team out,'” shared Altamirano.
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Ever since entering La Salle, Jeron Teng has been given numerous tests on the hard court.
During his collegiate days, Teng, a known scorer from Xavier School, was doubted if he could lead a stacked De La Salle University Green Archers squad to the top of the collegiate world. The result? Two UAAP championships in five years and two Finals MVPs to boot.
Then in his first foray in the D-League, questions lingered whether he can keep up with the big boys.
And right from the get go, the 6-foot-2, 185-pound forward introduced himself to a new audience, firing 42 points in his debut — the second highest output in the league’s seven-year history. Moreover, he carried the AMA Online Education Titans on his shoulders, lifting the franchise to its first-ever playoff appearance during the Aspirants Cup.
But until Monday night, Teng’s threshold had never been tested.
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In the wee hours of June 24, Teng and the rest of Pilipinas 3×3 had just arrived from Nantes, France. Since then, the second-generation cager had yet to find a good sleep as he needed to fulfill numerous commitments. From a homecoming press conference last Saturday to a hosting gig on Sunday while practicing with the Thunder, Teng was able to fulfill all of those while being under the weather.
“Sama ng pakiramdam niya. When he arrived, nag-practice siya agad kaya wala siyang pahinga. Sabi niya, ‘Coach hindi ko talaga kaya.’ When he was warming up, talagang di daw maganda yung pakiramdam niya,” Altamirano, who was Teng’s coach in the youth team, said.
“Come [the] second quarter, sabi niya, ‘Coach give me some time to warm up, I’ll play.’ That fired up the team and gave us a boost.”
With 4:44 left in the second frame and Flying V down 33-20, Altamirano finally fielded Teng in. And Teng’s presence alone changed the complexion of the game as Marinero’s defense constantly double-teamed the reigning D-League scoring champion, freeing up his teammates (Hans Thiele scored 13 of his 15 points in the second half while Eric Salamat had 18 of his 20 with Teng inside the court).
By the time he was subbed out with 1:37 left in the third frame, Flying V was already up 61-57.
“Nabuhayan kami nung pumasok si Jeron,” the former PBA and UAAP champion coach said.
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After just a few minutes of rest, Teng played the entire final frame. He had to as both squads figured in a fiery fourth quarter that saw eight lead changes
Having enough, Teng, who was shooting just 3-for-18 from the field with two minutes left, decided to take it upon himself to end the game.
“I’m just really proud of Jeron on how he took it upon himself na kahit masama yung pakiramdam niya, he forced himself to play,” the 51-year-old mentor beamed.
“He knew how important this game is.”
With Flying V down 74-75 with 1:49 left, Teng was able to convert an and-one play against Sam Marata for the go-ahead points. Not done, he scored the next five points for Flying V to buck any Marinero attempt of a comeback.
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A few minutes after the game, Teng was asked by a media man for an interview. Groggy eyed and tired, Teng, who finished the game with 15 points, four rebounds, and six assists, politely declined.
There was no need for an interview after all as Coach E summed it up the best.
“Jeron showed how professional he is in terms of helping the team,” Altamirano, who has helped groom numerous players to the PBA, expressed.
“Jeron showed it tonight.”
After this game, no one can deny that Teng belongs.
