Big adjustments yield championship for Teng, Archers

Jeron Teng cuts off the net as part of the Green Archers’ celebration after winning their ninth overall title. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Jeron Teng climbed the ladder, with a pair of scissors in hand and the net on his sights, as he bids his career with De La Salle goodbye.

It was the end of an up-and-down journey with the Green Archers but Teng can heave a sigh of relief after having just led the Green Archers to their ninth UAAP basketball title, sweeping archrivals Ateneo.

And he added a second Finals MVP award to his quiver along the way.

READ: La Salle sweeps Ateneo to capture UAAP Season 79 crown

It had been a year of adjustments for the 22-year-old forward, who had to find another level of defensive intensity under head coach Aldin Ayo in his final year.

“At the start we really had a big adjustment from last year,” said Teng, who played under Juno Sauler for most of his stay at La Salle. “Last year, it was all half court but coach Aldin wanted full court.”

Ayo employed the same reckless defensive tactic with Letran, where he won his first and only NCAA title, and it was something the Green Archers were not used to doing.

READ: Mbala banners UAAP Season 79 top performers

“My first four years in La Salle, we weren’t pressing so we had to adjust,” said Teng. “Our motto was ‘whatever it takes’ so we had to follow.”

“We all have one goal and that is to win a championship.”