Top UAAP guards Teng, Garcia join PBA draft

Jeric Teng. Photo by Noy Morcoso lll

MANILA, Philippines — Two of the best guards in the UAAP, after respectable careers in the collegiate division, have decided to take their chances in the pro league.

Far Eastern University’s RR Garcia and University of Santo Tomas’ Jeric Teng both submitted their applications for the  PBA Rookie Draft  on Wednesday, two days before the deadline.

Barely a week after the heart-breaking defeat in the UAAP finals, the Tigers’ trusty gunner Teng wants to continue his career in the PBA.

The son of PBA great Alvin Teng boosted his draft stock significantly with a tremendous performance in the finals  after spending bulk of the elimination round with injury.

“I don’t want to wait for one year pa kasi. Wala masyadong exposure after UAAP,” Teng told INQUIRER.net.

Garcia, meanwhile, cut short his commitment with the national team as part of the cadet squad to make himself available for the draft.

The sly point guard believes he has a bigger chance this year of getting plucked among the pool of talent full of big men.

“Tingin ko kasi mas malaki yung chance ko this year kaysa next year. Ang daming guard next year, ngayon konti lang,” Garcia said.

Tamaraws’ head coach Nash Racela gave former UAAP MVP the advice to push through with his plans to go pro, Garcia said.

He has also sought the permission from the Gilas management, particularly national team mentor Chot Reyes.

“Ready na talaga ako,” Garcia said. “Kaya nung nag-decide ako na [magpa-draft], nagpa-condition agad ako ngayon.”