The De La Salle Green Archers bagged their fourth consecutive win just last Wednesday against the UST Growling Tigers, good enough to land them in fourth spot in the team standings with a 6-3 win-loss record by far.
Even injuries have hit several key players, the team is far from getting discouraged. They play harder and better every game, and prove to everyone that they are definitely one of the contenders this season.
I honestly feel like a proud parent whenever I watch the boys on the floor playing with their hearts, and unveiling their utmost potential slowly but surely. They completely trust one another, and their coach Gee Abanilla. As a result, even their losses this season have been competitive. Moreover, win or lose, they always leave their supporters with this "proud parent" feeling that never disappoints.
Although their current winning streak is undoubtedly the result of a team effort, there is one particular Archer who has stood out. He scored a game-high 35 points in their final game of the first round against the NU Bulldogs, and buried a buzzer-beater during their game last Wednesday against the Tigers. Not bad for a rookie.
I came from a private Chinese high school where Jeric and Jeron Teng were considered basketball superstars. They played in the Tiong Lian league, which is practically the UAAP of Chinese schools in Metro Manila. As a retired basketball player myself, and an ex-cheerleader who spent most of my high school days in the auditorium watching Tiong Lian games, I had witnessed the Teng brothers' basketball stardom early on. Needless to say, almost all of us Tiong Lian fans already knew what bright future was waiting for both of them.
I was able to sit down with Jeron for a brief interview, and honestly I was both nervous and excited about talking to him. He shook my hand and listened attentively while I showered him with apologies and briefed him on this casual, three-minute interview.
So how's it like being Jeron Teng?
It's fun and I'm blessed for getting to play for La Salle.
Was choosing La Salle a difficult decision at all?
Yes, because I considered other schools, too.
How did you prepare for the shift from high school to college basketball?
I just worked hard and practiced. Do what I can to improve more.
How different was high school from college basketball?
College basketball is so much different, of course. The players are taller and stronger now in college.
How's it like working with your teammates, Coach Gee, and the rest of the coaching staff?
Actually, they helped me a lot. My teammates welcomed me when I first got here. Coach Gee is a good mentor and a good coach to me, so…
How do you keep balance in your life?
I practice in the afternoon, and when I get home, I review and study for the next day.
How do you feel about the sudden influx of fans this UAAP season?
Well, I'm happy to see how the La Sallian community's very, very active. They're very supportive of our team, and we're happy.
How's it like coming from a family of basketball stars? Do you feel any pressure at all?
Actually, there's no pressure at all. It helps me more that I have my dad and my brother to help me out with basketball.
How's it like playing against your brother in the UAAP?
It's nice, because I dreamt of playing against my brother ever since. We were teammates back in high school, so now that we're in college, it excites us --- playing against each other.
What can people expect from you and your team in the coming games?
We're going to give our best in every game. We'll do our best to make it to the finals, and then the championship.
Jeron, if not basketball, what other career path would you have chosen?
Valedictorian. *laughs* 'Di, joke lang, joke lang. Business. I would be in business.
How far do you plan to go in basketball?
If possible, hopefully the PBA.
Who is your inspiration?
My family
What do you usually do for fun?
Watch movies and play computer games online
What is your ideal girl?
Tall, sexy, and pretty
Favorite food?
Chicken curry
Favorite color?
Green
Favorite UAAP moment?
Winning against NU, the second overtime
Least favorite UAAP moment?
Losing against my brother… against UST by double overtime
Favorite genre of music?
R&B
Favorite subject?
Math
Favorite hobby?
Watching movies with my family and friends
Final message to your supporters?
To all those who support our team, please continue to support us all throughout the season, and we promise to give you our best. Thank you!
As soon as we finished the interview, he went to the camera to ask if the sound's audible, grabbed his bags and his container of chicken curry, waved goodbye, and headed straight home.
Jeron Teng is definitely something. After his phenomenal performances in all his UAAP games by far, he has been crowned by many as the newest King Archer, even getting compliments from former college basketball stars, among many others.
In spite of all the overwhelming highs and lows that he has been experiencing throughout the season, Jeron still managers to stay level-headed and focused on his goals, whether in the sport or his studies. What's exciting for La Salle is he hasn't hit his full potential yet, and the best is yet to come.
Editor's note: The blogger's views do not represent Yahoo! Southeast Asia's position on the topic or issue being discussed in this post.
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