Jeron Teng eyes more titles for Green Archers
Contrary to the view of many, La Salle's prized wingman Jeron Teng believes he and the Green Archers are still hungry enough to extend their reign atop the UAAP men's basketball field.
“Ngayon, starving na kami (to win more titles)," stressed the 6-foot-2 on Thursday night during a special dinner organized by his managers Edgar Tan and Paula Punla of Star Factor.
Teng, who was named the Finals MVP last year following their epic 2-1 finals series victory against University of Santo Tomas, added they now have enough confidence to aim for more in the league's 77th season that gets going this Saturday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
"Last year, it proved to us na kaya naming manalo ng championship kasi dati medyo dream lang sa amin 'yun. But it (last year's championship) proved to us that if we put our work into it and 'yung heart namin, kaya namin. So I think advantage namin 'yan dahil na-prove na nga namin last year at uulitin lang this year," he pointed out.
Although they will dealing with immense amount of pressure to repeat with the return of a formidable core boosted by four blue-chip recruits, Teng is convinced they can rise to the challenge against their rivals.
"Syempre may pressure talaga kasi 'yung ibang teams kami ang target nila. We know there’s going to be pressure but we will be prepared for it," he said. "Kami naman sa team, it's a collective effort--from the coaches (all the way down) to the players. We all help one another to minimize the pressure and for us to work better."
Aside from Teng, the Archers still have plenty of firepower in the mold of center Arnold Van Opstal, power forward Jason Perkins, Norbert Torres, gunner Almond Vosotros and comebacking big man Yutien Andrada.
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In addition, highly-touted freshmen Prince Rivero, Terence Mustre, Fil-Americans Abu Tratter and Julian Sargent will also make their debut, giving La Salle head coach Juno Sauler a formidable lineup that is the envy of many.
“Definitely mas matured kami this year dahil isa lang ang nag-graduate sa amin, si LA Revilla. This year, mas maraming seniors and 'yung championship experience madadala namin this year," said the proud son of former pro cager Alvin and Susan Teng.
To further improve his all-around game, Jeron Teng added he's been trying to improve his mid-range game and free throw shooting, which was considered as his Achilles' heel last season.
“Iyong mga coaches ko lagi nilang sinasabi I have to practice my outside shots because my opponents are sagging me already. So I have to develop 'yung shooting ko not only for me but for my teammates kasi once ma-score ko 'yun, medyo mas mahihirapan sila to guard me," he said.
“Pati rin 'yung free throws. Kasi kaming dalawa ni AVO (Van Opstal) ang pinakamadalas i-foul. So 'yung free throws namin sa team will mostly depend on us kasi nga kami ang pinakamaraming free throw attempts. Last year, medyo masama ang free throw shooting ko so ini-improve ko 'yun."
While pointing to dethroned five-time champion Ateneo as a "mystery," Teng counted UST, Far Eastern U and host University of the East as the bigges threats to their title-retention bid.
Asked whether he would miss his older brother Jeric, the former Growling Tigers skipper who is now playing in the pro ranks with Rain or Shine, Jeron Teng said: "Syempre mami-miss ko ang kuya ko. Mami-miss ko ang pagsuporta sa ibang school--kahit kalaban namin sinusuportahan ko like 'yung nagye-yellow (shirt) ako. 'Yun mami-miss ko.
"Pero ngayon, mas maganda na rin. Kasi I will have my brother to mentor me, support me and guide me. For sure, maraming tips syang mabibigay sa akin na magagamit ko sa UAAP," Jeron concluded.
