IT is inevitable that the Teng brothers will find themselves guarding each other in their UAAP Season 76 men’s basketball title showdown, but De La Salle star Jeron is thinking more about his matchup with University of Santo Tomas' top wing defender Kevin Ferrer than his brother Jeric.
“Hindi rin maiiwasan na magbantayan kami (Jeric) lalo na kapag mag-switch,” said Jeron Teng, although he was quick to admit that he expects to see more of Ferrer when the best-of-three finals tips off Wednesday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Ferrer was one of the key players in UST’s landmark victories over top-seed National University when he put the clamps on Bobby Ray Parks in the Final Four.
Although Jeron is not trying to compare himself with the two-time Most Valuable Player, he made clear that he is just preparing for any eventuality.
“Ineexpect ko rin si Kevin Ferrer. Mang-aasar talaga siya. ’Yun ang ineexpect ko,” said Jeron Teng minutes after UST’s upset victory on Saturday.
Teng came in full support of his older brother during the semifinal series against NU wearing a yellow shirt while watching the games from the venue with his dad Alvin, a former player in the PBA.
Jeron said that he had a simple message to Jeric before the game.
“Sabi ko lang to give his all. It might be his last game,” said Teng.
Jeron was just happy that he will be playing against his older brother for the UAAP crown.
“Happy ako dahil ‘yun ang wish ng brother ko na makapaglaro sa finals sa last year niya. At the same time, magkakalaban pa kami,” said Jeron.
La Salle reached the finals riding a nine-game win streak, including two against erstwhile league leader Far Eastern University.
But Jeron expects UST to be a formidable opponent.
“The team was very composed from what I saw. They were making their outside shots. They were solid on defense,” Jeron said.
“UST is a strong team. Kita niyo naman, tinalo pa nila NU na twice-to-beat,” he added.
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