AS a two-time collegiate champion, Jeron Teng knows what it’s like to be the go-to guy, and he carried that role with ease back in his prime.
But when he joined San Miguel in 2023, he had to take a step back, blending into a deep, veteran-heavy roster that has long been one of the most stacked in the PBA.
That shift in role, however, never made him feel any less of a player.
In Game 2 of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals, where SMB defeated TNT, 98–92, to even the series, Teng quietly delivered. He tallied 10 points in just 10 minutes of play and posted the team’s highest plus-minus at +7.
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Not bad for the son of Alvin Teng, who is now making his fourth finals appearance in the pros, three of them with the Beermen.
For the 31-year-old, it was simply the result of staying ready at all times, even if his minutes were usually few and far between.
“I had the same routine from when I was playing longer minutes with different teams. Now that I have limited minutes — sometimes I don’t even play — I’m still always, always ready. My mentality every game is, when I’m called, I have to make the most of it. I have to really play well,” he told SPIN.ph.
That mindset paid off on Wednesday night at the Big Dome.
JT, a former King Archer who helped La Salle win UAAP titles in 2013 and 2016, actually loves where he currently stands as a player.
“I’m being a good soldier at SMB. Growing up, I was exposed to SMB basketball, and I feel really blessed and fortunate to make it here to the finals. Here, every conference we’re here to win it all. It’s not easy to reach the finals and to participate in high-caliber games — it means a lot to me,” he said.
Teng understands he’s often second or third in the rotation, but he knows that role is just as crucial.
“Being patient involves humility and respect. My peers have established themselves in the league way, way back. As for me, it’s a pleasure to learn as much as I can from these vets,” he said.
“The way I look at things, I’m still learning and progressing each and every day. And that, for me, is enough to become a better player and a better person altogether.”
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