All eyes on Teng as AMA headlines D-League start

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

Former La Salle star Jeron Teng is used to embracing the pressure of expectations rather than shy away from it. And it’s no different as he begins his PBA D-League Aspirants Cup stint with AMA Online Education.

The two-time UAAP Finals Most Valuable Player tries to turn the Titans from minnows to contenders as he makes his debut against Batangas today at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Selected as the top pick of the draft, Teng brings his solid credentials and star power to an AMA squad that has struggled to create a ripple in the past few seasons.

“I’m just excited to play (for AMA),” Teng said at a press conference yesterday introducing him and University of the Philippines standout Diego Dario as the Titans’ new players.

“I think we have a good chance to contend this season with the lineup that we have.”

AMA coach Mark Herrera shares Teng’s sentiment, saying that the arrival of the two-time UAAP champion gives them a huge morale boost.

“The morale and confidence of the team is high because of his presence,” said Herrera of Teng, who is just a few weeks removed from leading La Salle to the UAAP crown.

“Every conference, we always make it to quarterfinals. I hope this time, we’ll make it to the semis or hopefully in the championship,” added Herrera.

Veterans Jay-R Taganas and Juami Tiongson are also in the AMA roster.

But the Titans face a stern test in the Batangueños, whose core is bannered by the backcourt duo of Dan Sara and CJ Isit.

Sara is a four-time NCAA champion with San Beda, while Isit is one of the top point guards in the NCAA.

Batangas mentor Eric Gonzales, a two-time champion coach with Phoenix last year, has high hopes his squad can make an impact on its debut season.

“What we’re building here is the character and development of the Batangueños,” Gonzales said.  “I hope we can be decent and help these players to be at their best.”

Cafe France, Racal, Cignal San Beda and Tanduay loom as favorites in the season-opening tournament.