JERON Teng played quality minutes for San Miguel on Friday in Game Two, making his presence felt in the Beermen’s huge victory over Barangay Ginebra in their PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinal series.
Teng saw action for eight minutes and 45 seconds, all of which came in the second half, and finished with seven points, one rebound, two assists, and one steal in the Beermen’s 106-96 victory over the Gin Kings.
Teng: 'No expectations'
“Actually, coming into the game, wala namang expectations na I’m going to play or not,” said Teng. “But as a player, you just have to be ready. Whenever my number is called, you really have to contribute and help.
"That’s what I did. I just stayed ready the whole game. Thankfully, I was given the minutes. Kahit paano, nakalaro naman.”
San Miguel coach Jorge Gallent said Teng’s role was to defend Maverick Ahanmisi, his former teammate with Alaska and Converge.
“We know Jeron was a teammate of Ahanmisi so we made him play defense against him because he was kinda open a bit but he was missing his shots. Jeron did a good job when he was called,” said Gallent.
Ahanmisi scored 13 points but went 6-for-17 on the floor.
Once the go-to-guy in his previous teams dating back to high school, Teng said his focus with San Miguel is defense, so the assignment to guard Ahanmisi wasn’t new to him.
'I have to defend my best'
“Ang role ko naman here is kahit sino pa ‘yan, I have to defend my best and try to limit the opponent. I know I’m going to play limited minutes. I have to give my all,” said Teng.
Teng said he is working doubly hard at this juncture of the conference since he was mostly nursing a hamstring injury during the eliminations.
“Basically, the whole eliminations, I wasn’t available,” said Teng, who missed eight games due to the injury. “In the playoffs, it’s the vets. They have been here since college pa lang ako. I have respect for the guys before me.”
“I’m just thankful na ‘yung mga kuya ko dito, they are here to guide me. Lagi nila akong pinagsasabihan na just to stay ready. I’m grateful na may mga ganun akong teammates,” said Teng.
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