Alvin has a wealth of experience being in that situation.
From Xavier High School, to the De La Salle Green Archers, and the Alaska Aces/Converge FiberXers, Jeron Teng has been so used to being the main gunner.
Not this time, though. Now, Teng finds himself chartering unfamiliar territory with a San Miguel Beermen side littered with superstars like seven-time MVP June Mar Fajardo.
Teng naturally has to adjust and fight for precious minutes.
Fortunately for Teng, he is being guided by someone who has a wealth of experience being in that situation. Yes, we’re talking about his dad, former PBA player Alvin Teng.
“Si daddy before, maraming superstar na teammates. What he did was he became a superstar on his role and that is playing defense. That’s what he always tells me, na sipagan ko lang when I’m inside the court,” he said when asked what advice his father gave him when he joined the team in Saturday’s Power and Play.
“Just to give my all and contribute and help in whatever way I can, whether it’s scoring or defending or getting rebounds. Sinasabi niya mga little things accumulated ‘yun magiging big factor sa mga games.”
Back in his heyday, the Teng patriarch also donned the SMB pinstriped jersey. Though he was not as prolific on offense, the bruiser more than made up for that with his effort on defense and on the boards.
He made a living doing that, and he became a pivotal part in each of the nine championships he won as a player.
Jeron will have to emulate that same "do what it takes to help the team" mentality that the older Teng showcased back in the day in order to win a championship that has eluded him in his six years in the PBA.
“Siguro ‘yun ‘yung role na nasa isip ko, just continue playing team basketball. Just focus on winning games. And I also have to play both sides of the court,” he said.
“What’s important is we win games, and hopefully manalo ako ng championship.”
With Teng playing alongside proven winners like Fajardo, Chris Ross, and Marcio Lassiter, winning his first championship might just come sooner rather than later.
Watch the whole episode below:
(MDB)