An opportunity of a lifetime looms for Teytey Teodoro.
After he was left unsigned by the Columbian Dyip – who picked him in the third round of the 2018 PBA Rookie Draft – the stocky guard out of Jose Rizal University is currently trying his luck with the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
And this early, head coach Tim Cone is already impressed with Teodoro.
“We’re very impressed with Teytey. I think he has PBA skills. He’s a really accomplished offensive player. It’s just really a matter whether he has the defense to come and play in our system,” said the decorated coach.
“And whether he has the speed and quickness to match up with the point guards around the league.”
Cone even said that he sees former two-time PBA Most Valuable Player Willie Miller in the 25-year-old Teodoro, who spent a year playing for the Batangas City Tanduay Athletics in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.
“He reminds me so much of Willie Miller in terms of skills. He has the same type of skills that Willie has and he knows how to use his body. I’m really impressed with him,” said Cone, who had coached Miller in the Alaska Aces years ago.
Aside from Teodoro, Ginebra’s pick in the draft Matt Salem is also vying for a spot. And for Cone, the two aspirants have a good chance of making it into the Barangay’s lineup to fill the holes in the roster.
Salem could fill in for the injured Jeff Chan, while the 5-foot-10 guard could take the spot of Jett Manuel, who recently announced to the team that he is walking away from the PBA to focus on his career as a civil engineer.
But as likely as it may seem, Teodoro is keeping his feet on the ground.
“Siyempre positive lang ako always. Kinausap naman ako ni coach Tim at possible nga na ma-lineup ako. Pero focus lang ako sa practice,” said the San Juan resident. “Ineenjoy ko lang na makasabayan ko yung mga star player.
“Basta kung bigyan ako ng chance ni coach Tim, bibigay ko lang ang best ko, kung gamitin man niya ako o hindi. Ibibigay ko lang ang best ko.”
