Teng impresses in debut for AMA: ‘I’m happy to improve here’

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Jeron Teng didn’t expect to make the record books on his first game in the PBA D-League.

Teng fired 42 points in his debut, the second-most points scored in a game in the seven-year history of the PBA D-League, trailing only the 58-point record set by James Martinez last August 2.

“I didn’t expect it. I was surprised after the game when coach Mark (Herrera) told me,” said Teng, who led AMA Online Education to a 101-95 victory over Batangas to open the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

But that shouldn’t come as a surprise, granting that Teng had these kinds of games including a 104-point explosion during his high school days with Xavier.

On Thursday, La Salle star went on a 12-of-27 clip while also nabbing five rebounds and five assists in the Titans win.

Teng shared that he looks at this stint in the D-League as a chance for him improve on his craft with the PBA Draft in mind.

“I still need to improve on a lot, especially my outside shooting and involving my teammates more,” he said. “In this game, I was just focused to do my best for the team to help my team win the game.”

Fortunately, Teng has the full trust of Herrera as the Titans gun to break new grounds this conference and make it to at least the semifinals.

“That’s what I like about coach Mark. He lets me be and he let’s me play my game. He trusts my judgment and that’s the reason why my game also shows,” he said.

With the first game jitters out of the way, the 22-year-old Teng is positive that the partnership between him and AMA will be beneficial for both parties.

“I’m just happy with this team. My mentality every game is to give my best and improve what I can improve on before I enter the Draft. It’s another basketball experience for me and I’m happy to improve here,” he said.