Jeron Teng. PBA IMAGES
It may have been a tough pill to swallow, but Jeron Teng acknowledged Centro Escolar University came out the better team against Flying V in their semifinals series.
“I think they hit big shots in the late game. We also had open shots, but we just didn’t make it. It happens,” he said after the Thunder’s stunning exit in the 2017 PBA D-League Foundation Cup with a 72-67 Game 3 defeat to the Scorpions on Thursday.
Teng, the leading contender for the Conference MVP award, rued what could have been a dream run for Flying V as it already reached great heights after being only the fourth team to sweep the eliminations.
“It’s unfortunate. We knew we could’ve achieved more. But we just don’t know what happened. But that’s basketball and those things happen and we just have to learn from it,” he said.
The failed championship campaign, though, does not diminish what Teng has achieved with the Thunder.
Averaging a league-best 22.15 points, 6.85 rebounds, and 5.77 assists, Teng had a blast in one conference stay with Flying, recording the most triple-doubles in league history with three.
But more than the numbers, what the 23-year-old cherishes the most were the learnings he had from coach Eric Altamirano.
“I’ve really learned a lot from this Flying V team. I’m very thankful for the management, to our bosses, and to coach Eric — especially coach Eric because I learned a lot from his system. He really helped me a lot to be prepared for the PBA,” he said.
As he braces for bigger challenges ahead, Teng shared that he’s taking this time to hone his craft as he raises the possibility of making the leap and joining the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft.
“The time I have right now, I’ll work with my individual skills. I consistently work on my outside shooting and continue improving my basic skills. I need to do that so that I’ll be more prepared when I come to the PBA,” he said.