Jeron Teng eyed as first overall pick in PBA D-League Draft

MANILA, Philippines – Jeron Teng is expected to go first overall in the upcoming 2016 PBA D-League Draft on December 20 at the PBA Cafe in Metrowalk, Pasig.

AMA Online Education, which is still in search of a franchise-first semifinals berth, plans to select the two-time UAAP Finals MVP with its first overall pick.

“We’re sure that Jeron Teng [will] be our first pick,” coach Mark Herrera was quoted as saying in a press release.

Just less than a week ago, the De La Salle University forward helped the Green Archers win the UAAP Season 79 men’s basketball championship against rival Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles.

Teng left the UAAP with two titles and two Finals MVP plums. (READ: Jeron Teng’s King Archer career ends with his best masterpiece)

Should AMA select Teng, he is likely to become a formidable threat with double-double machine Jay-R Taganas in the new season.

Teng leads the 128-man draft pool along with San Beda’s Davon Potts, who helped the Red Lions to the NCAA crown. Of the list, 113 are local while 15 are Fil-foreign applicants.

Also in the pool are San Beda standout Robert Bolick, Far Eastern University playmaker Monbert Arong, Letran big man Jom Sollano, and Southwestern University guard Mac Tallo.

Ten teams will participate in the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup that is set to open on January 19.

Without Phoenix defending its title, it will be an interesting race to the championship, with runners-up Cafe France and Tanduay emerging as early favorites.

Tanduay, the Foundation Cup bridesmaid, will be picking second, followed by Racal at third.

Aspirants’ Cup runner-up Cafe France gets to select fourth, while Wangs Basketball goes fifth.

Newcomers Cignal, Jose Rizal University, Manuel L. Quezon University, and Province of Batangas will all be in a lottery on draft day to decide their placing in the draft order.

As a guest team, Blustar Malaysia will be ineligible to select in the draft proceedings. – Rappler.com