PBA: Jeron Teng ready to accept leadership role at Alaska

By Jan Carlo Anolin

Jeron Teng isn’t backing down and accepts the challenge issued by Alaska governor Dickie Bachmann and head coach Jeffrey Cariaso.

Teng, entering his third year in the PBA, is expected to elevate his game, along with a bunch of rookies coming into the 45th season.

“Tina-try ko lang i-pass on ‘yung mga natutunan ko [mula] sa mga [veterans] at hopefully maipasa ko rin sa mga younger guys,” Teng says during the second staging of PBA Media Day at the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila Thursday in Parañaque.

“[I will] be there to guide them also na maka-adjust sila (rookie) sa PBA agad.”

In a previous interview, Bachmann said they expect better things from Teng, adding that they plan to revolve the team around him this season which kicks off March 8.

Cariaso, entering his first full season as head coach, echoed Bachmann’s thoughts, saying Teng is a big part of the Aces’ future.

During the off season, Alaska acquired rookies Barkley Eboña (1st round, 4th pick), Jaycee Marcelino and Rey Publico. The Aces also traded Simon Enciso for Mike Digregorio from TNT KaTropa.

In addition, Alaska landed the rights to San Sebastian product Allyn Bulanadi, who was picked fourth in the special Gilas Pilipinas draft. He will be loaned to the national team in preparation for the 2023 FIBA Asia World Cup before suiting up full time with the Aces.

Teng is confident the rookies will be able to adjust easily with the team and sees no problem since Cariaso’s system, he says, is easy to learn.

“They have something to bring to the table,” Teng said. “We’re just ready to play, at kami na mga older guys, we’ll be there for them to help them adjust to the system.”

The former La Salle standout admitted the team’s chemistry can stand more improvement.

We’re getting there,” Teng says.

Veteran big man Sonny Thoss, meanwhile, described Teng as a “great leader and character guy.”

“Jeron is doing well. He’s buying into the system. He gets really well along with everybody. He also tries to find his way with the new guys,” says Thoss, who has signed a one-conference extension with the Aces.

Teng averaged 12.5 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 13 games in the last Philippine Cup, 9.5 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 14 games in the Commissioner’s Cup and played only five games in the Governors’ Cup with an average of 15.0 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists.

He missed the early part of the season-ending conference due to a right hamstring injury and a hyperextended right knee in mid-November.

Aside from Teng, veterans Vic Manuel, JVee Casio and Thoss, along with Kevin Racal, will play key roles when Alaska begins its campaign against the Columbian Dyip on March 13 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Source: Manila Bulletin