Brothers Jeric and Jeron Teng during Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas practice at Meralco Gym. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Brothers Jeric and Jeron Teng have been dreaming about playing together again since both starred for Xavier for one season in high school.
In college, the older Jeric went to University of Santo Tomas while Jeron suited up for La Salle and the two even faced each other in an epic UAAP Finals in 2013 won by the Green Archers.
Never in their wildest dreams that the opportunity to team up again will come in an international setting.
The two have been selected by coach Chot Reyes to be part of the 12-man roster of Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas which will compete in the 2017 Fiba Asia Champions Cup beginning on Friday in Chenzhou, China.
“It’s really been our dream to team up again. It’s just a blessing that we’ll be doing this for the Philippine team. I’m so excited to share the same court with Jeron again,” said Jeric.
“Even in practice, we go together in just one car. We talk a lot about practice and the system and it’s very fun. It also helps because we know each other’s game and we really get closer here.”
BROTHERHOOD. In a show of sportsmanship and brotherly affection, La Salle’s Jeron Teng (right) raises the hand of UST gunner Jeric Teng after the Green Archers edged the Growling Tigers in overtime for the UAAP Season 76 title in 2013. AUGUST DELA CRUZ/INQUIRER
Jeron shares the same sentiments as he gets the rare chance to play alongside someone he considers as one of his mentors.
“It’s different when your brother is on the same team. He’s not only my teammate but also mentors me,” Jeron said.
“Of course, he’s already had lots of experience because he’s more veteran between the two of us. He gives me advice and really guides me on what to do on the court.”
Playing for the Philippine team in the club tournament gives Jeric a chance to prove that he still belongs in the PBA and also benefits Jeron, who is eyeing go enter the 2017 PBA Draft.
But the both cleared that their focus is on helping Chooks-to-Go win in the continental club championship.
“My objective is to help the team. By doing that, I can also show that I can still play,” said Jeric. “If I play well, maybe a team will take a chance on me again. But that’s not my main focus right now. I want to really help the team win in this Champions Cup.”
“I’m not thinking of the PBA just yet. Right now, I’m just focused 100 percent on the task and that is to really play well for Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas. I want to focus on that so I can play my game.”