After failed title bid, what’s next for Jeric Teng?

MANILA, Philippines — Jeric Teng may have missed the championship in his final year with UST, but it won’t definitely stop him from having a bigger future.

Instead of getting disappointed, Teng learned a lot of lessons in his farewell season, and he’s likewise happy for his younger brother Jeron who took the UAAP Season 76 crown.

“I had no more chance for the championship but I’m really happy for my brother,” the older Teng told Rappler.

Blessed with a great college career

Jeric played a sensational season for the Growling Tigers, battling back from injuriesin the elimination round to emerge as a cold-blooded gunner in the championships. 

Asked about what served as his motivation, he said he wanted to end his collegiate career with the top prize.

“My main motivation was it was my last time to get that championship,” he shared. “I demanded more of myself. I was pushed to work even harder.”  

And even if everything’s over, Jeric claims it’s still a blessing to reach the finals and draw respect from the thousands who supported the Tigers.

“We’re blessed we were able to reach the finals,” he told Rappler. “To the whole UST community, thank you talaga sa support. (We) wouldn’t be here without you.”

It’s in the family

Aside from the personal motivation, Jeric said there’s no better way than learning from their father, Alvin Teng, who served as a role model to the brothers.

“My dad is known for being hardworking, so when he used to teach us, he wanted us to be hardworking too,” he quipped of Alvin Teng, who won multiple titles with the San Miguel Beermen in the PBA.

Teng also had pieces of advice to his younger brother, Finals MVP Jeron Teng, who had struggles in the first round.

“After the first round, Jeron was struggling with his free throws,” he said. “I told him it’s more of mental. Just focus on the ring and do what you do in practice.”

Eventually, the two Tengs become the faces of their respective teams in the homestretch of the season. And when their best-of-three finals duel began, it was inevitable for the two to clash inside the court.

“We both know our moves, the tendencies, so it was hard. Lagi kami nagbabantayan,” he told Rappler.

In the end, Jeric knows that it’s all part of the game.

“It’s hard to guard each other but we forget we’re brothers. We’re really focused on the game.”

Future plans

With his UAAP career all part of the books, Jeric Teng envisions a brighter future for himself, exploring a professional basketball career.

“My dream is to reach the PBA. I can do business on the side, I guess, but PBA ang gusto ko talaga,” he said.

He is also open to playing for the national squad, and he said it would be a privilege to represent the red, blue, and white.

“It would be honor to play for the Philippines if they ask me.”

For now, Jeric Teng just wants to take a rest from all the action and spend time with their family. But after that, fans would surely see more of the King Tiger for the years to come. – Rappler.com