CHICAGO - When he inked a two-year deal with San Miguel Beer last October 2023, Jeron Teng was honored with the opportunity to play for the franchise where his dad, Alvin, won a grand slam in 1989.
The occasion was made even sweeter then as Teng had just married the love of his life, former UAAP courtside reporter Jeanine Tsoi, when the SMC call-up came.
The 6-foot-2, 185-lb wingman was giddy of the possibilities.
READ Coach Leo reveals key to more minutes for Jeron Teng at SMB
And then reality bit. Unlike his marriage, which is unburdened by uncertainty and doubt, the union with San Miguel hasn't been dreamy.
In the 17 months since he hooked up with the Beermen, Teng has endured a coaching switch, a whirlwind of import changes, and scarce playing time.
But promise has bloomed in the just-started Philippine Cup.
A NEW BEGINNING.
Leo Austria is back calling the shots now, replacing Jorge Gallent, the man who replaced him in January 2023. There's no foreign reinforcement to fret and flip-flop with. And most importantly for Jeron, he has sprung off the bench early.
In the recently-concluded Commissioner's Cup, the La Salle legend appeared in only a total of two games where he collected a combined five points, two rebounds and two steals.
His playing time in those games was a meager 12 minutes and 29 seconds for an average of 6:14 per.
But when the Beermen opened their All-Filipino campaign at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium last Saturday, Teng's No. 21 was put to task. And to no one's surprise, he came shining through.
The 34-year old made the most of his 13 minutes and 17 seconds by coming up with six points, four rebounds, one assist and a steal.
He sank only 1-for-5 from the field, an anomaly that likely was a function of rust and lack of timing. While practice and preparation helps, those things don't actually simulate actual competition.
'ALWAYS READY'
In the end, though, Teng's output helped San Miguel ward off pesky NLEX, 98-89.
Contributing to Ws is something Teng, who divorced from Converge after futile contract renewal talks in 2023, wants to continue doing.
"Hopefully, sir, I'm just always ready when my number is called," he told me via text message on Monday.
Superstars transitioning from heavy usage to sparingly playing is a tricky proposition. Pride inevitably enters the equation and some handle the demotion and status change better than others.
Jerong Teng has acquitted himself well in this regard.
My past conversations with Jeron left an impression of a young man with no airs about him and a pedigree that suggests the fine breeding of a true professional athlete.
In a team loaded with talent, the struggle for minutes will continue. But the Beermen are better off having Teng on the floor instead of the bench.
Here's hoping coach Austria feels the same way.
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