JERON Teng's rebounding prowess is exactly what an undersized team like Alaska needs in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
The 6-foot-2 Teng notched a career-high 15 in the Aces’ 100-87 win over the Road Warriors as he tore a page off the playbook of his father Alvin, who was one of the top rebounders in the PBA during his time.
Alaska coach Alex Compton said there was a conscious effort on the part of Teng to go for rebounds. The former La Salle star entered the game averaging five rebounds per game.
“One of the things I talked to Jeron about was just rebound the ball… 15, that’s amazing. He is a three. He didn’t play the big guy (position) so 15 rebounds in a three-spot is using his physicality and strength,” said Teng.
“He did a great job on boxing out and go getting the ball. That was huge for us in this game. We are not a super big team,” said Compton.
Compton also lauded Teng’s shooting as he went 7 for 7 from the free-throw line. Teng was a 40 percent free-throw shooter prior to the NLEX game.
“I actually think that he is a good shooter when I see the way he follows through,” said Compton.
Teng said it was important to collect rebounds with the Aces struggling after entering the game on the back of two straight defeats.
“I just need to step up kasi we’ve been struggling the past few games. I really wanted to show effort in tonight’s game. I really focused on rebounding for my team,” said Teng.
“We are aware that as a team, we lack height. As guards, we are capable of helping the bigs. That’s what I did. It’s about our collective effort."
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