Jeron Teng rarely sees action for the San Miguel Beermen. But in Game 2 of San Miguel’s PBA Philippine Cup semis series against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on Wednesday, he got his chance—and he made the most of it.
The former La Salle Green Archer fired 12 of his 13 points off the bench to spark the Beermen to a big 93–84 victory that tied the series at one game apiece. He attacked Ginebra’s defense with gusto and exploited his size advantage over RJ Abarrientos at least a couple of times. He also took on the unenviable task of shadowing last season’s Rookie of the Year and going toe-to-toe with former league MVP Scottie Thompson.
Jeron Teng passed all those tests with flying colors, to say the least.
Jeron Teng Stayed Ready for ‘Pure Guts’ Performance
After the game, San Miguel coach Leo Austria was effusive in giving credit to Teng, whom he said showed “pure guts” in his surprise minutes when the game was still hanging in the balance. He also admitted to feeling guilty for not using the one-time Alaska Milkman in the Beermen’s Game 1 loss.
“What happened in the fourth quarter was just pure guts para kay Jeron,” Austria told reporters after San Miguel’s come-from-behind victory. “In the first game, I was not able to use him because of something in my mind. Guilty-guilty ako nu’ng first game kasi hindi ko siya nagamit, and after that game, kinabukasan in practice, I told him, ‘Be ready.’”
Safe to say Teng stayed ready because he was ready for his moment come Game 2. And that commitment to staying prepared isn’t lost on Austria, either.
“I have to appreciate him [Teng] because he’s really a professional. No questions, no complaints. This time sabi ko sa kanya, your time will come any time. And it happened,” added Austria.
Teng’s time came at the 3:20 mark of the third period when he subbed in for the ineffective Chris Ross. He stayed in until the final buzzer—basically because he didn’t give Austria any reason to pull him out at all.
In all, Jeron Teng put up 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists in 15 minutes.
That’s what staying ready means.
