12th pick from Rain or Shine Elasto Painters – JERIC TENG. Photo by Nuki Sabio/PBA
MANILA, Philippines – From Pido Jarencio to Yeng Guiao – Jeric Teng will have the pleasure of working under another fiery and outspoken coach as he takes the leap to the big league.
Teng, drafted 12th overall by the Rain or Shine in the PBA Draft Sunday, relishes the chance to play for the multi-titled Guiao – known for his bold ways to motivate his wards.
And Teng had a coach just like that in college in Jarencio.
“They’re both very good motivators,” said Teng of the two shot callers.
“I’m just very excited for Coach Yeng. He’s a player’s coach. He gives confidence to his players. There’s no reason to be shy,” he added in Filipino.
The 22-year-old Teng, who earned his stripes as University of Santo Tomas’ trusty gunner, is joining an established squad with an already formidable line-up.
“I think I can fit, because Rain or Shine loves to run too like UST did. And their players are very helpful,” he also told INQUIRER.net.
Teng also admitted that he “feels at home” joining pros Chris Tiu and TY Tang, who hailed from Xavier School like him, among others.
“Chinese community yan eh,” he said with a smile. “I’m very excited to play for Rain or Shine if I get the chance.”
But Teng, like the 43 other draftees, still needs to sign a contract to seal the deal and make things official.
Guiao earlier told reporters that Teng, who recovered from an injured-riddle season in the UAAP to steer his team to the finals, wasn’t on their “to-pick” list that night.
But the son of PBA great Alvin Teng was just too good to pass up.
“He wasn’t on our radar. It just so happens that at no. 12, he was still there. And he was the best talent [at that point], so it wasn’t a hard decision to make [picking him],” the coach said.