Jeron Teng declares for PBA Draft

Jeron Teng. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

Opening a new chapter in his basketball career, Jeron Teng has declared himself eligible for the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft.

The 23-year-old swingman submitted his application on Monday, three days before the deadline. He is expected to be a top five pick.

Teng sees the draft as his chance to make his dream a reality and continue his proud family’s legacy of making it to the pro league.

“It’s always been my dream to follow my father’s foot steps, to enter, play, and show my talent in the PBA,” said Teng, whose father Alvin achieved legend status and older brother Jeric was also made it to the pros.

After a stellar collegiate career with La Salle, where he won two titles and was named Finals MVP twice, Teng made a splash in the PBA D-League.

Picked first in the 2016 PBA D-League Draft, Teng established himself as one of the most lethal scorers in the amateur ranks, averaging 23.2 points on top of 8.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in his time with AMA Online Education in the 2017 Aspirants’ Cup.

He continued to further complete his game, netting 22.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.8 assists with Flying V in the 2017 Foundation Cup, where he also set the league record for most triple-doubles with three.

Teng also had international experience as he suited up for the Philippines in the 2017 Fiba 3×3 World Cup in Nantes, France, as well as with Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas in the 2017 Fiba Champions Cup in Chenzhou, China.

With these international stints under his belt, the 6-foot-2 slasher believes he’s already prepared to make the jump to the PBA.

“I think I’m ready. I’ve been working hard to improve everyday, working hard on my weaknesses, and improving on what I can improve on,” he said.

“I can bring in energy inside the court. I think my biggest asset is that I’m always hungry to improve and add dimensions to my game to be an all-around hustle player. And I know I can only do this through hard work and perseverance.”

Teng’s entry strengthens the draft pool that already includes Fil-German big man Christian Standhardinger, former Green Archer Jason Perkins, and NCAA studs Rey Nambatac and Sidney Onwubere.