The time is now for Teytey Teodoro.
The NCAA Season 93 is still months away from tipping off. But as early as January, Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers point guard Teytey Teodoro is already eager to live up to his billing as one of the Heavy Bombers’ veterans.
As part of their months-long preparation for Season 93, JRU opted to join the PBA D-League to help them bounce back from a disappointing Season 92 campaign that saw them miss the Final Four.
The Heavy Bombers debuted Tuesday afternoon against visiting team Blustar Dragons. Rust was evident early in the match, but luckily made a huge turnaround late to post a 75-64 victory.
And in their opening day win in the 2017 Aspirant’s Cup, it was Teodoro who delivered for JRU.
The bulked-up five-foot-seven floor general finished with a game-high 20 points, eight of it coming in the clutch, on 7-of-15 shooting and seven boards.
It was vintage Teodoro during the game’s final stretch, an indication that he can provide leadership for the Heavy Bombers. And for coach Vergel Meneses, that is what he expects from the senior guard.
“Siya ang ine-expect namin na isa sa magiging leaders ng team,” Meneses remarked about Teodoro.
But for incoming senior, he is just taking full advantage of the opportunities falling in front of him.
“Ako naman ginrab ko lang yung opportunity to play in this league eh. Kasi soyempre medyo big league na rin ‘to,” said the 22-year-old.
During that 8-0 run, Teodoro provided a highlight-worthy shot — a reverse lay-up over two Blustar defenders.
That shot though was reminiscent of coach Meneses’ shots during his PBA heydays, where he earned the monicker “Aerial Voyager” due to his high-flying maneuvers.
“Oo, Vergel Meneses shot ko ‘yun,” Teodoro quipped.
The shot was actually noticed by none other than Meneses.
“Kakapanood niya yan ng mga CD ko,” joked the 47-year-old mentor.
All jokes aside, the D-League is nothing but a training ground for JRU, the NCAA All-Star pointed out.
“Siguro yung pagiging physical game. And to play na puro utak lang ang ginagamit,” said Teodoro.
And for him individually, Teodoro aims to use the tournament to develop his leadership skills.
“Gusto ko maging beterano para sa susunod na season ng NCAA,” vowed Teodoro.
