New PBA champion Jeron Teng celebrates San Miguel Beermen’s latest title. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Now that his search for an elusive first PBA championship has come to an end, Jeron Teng is hoping to have more under his belt.
“The championship feeling is very addicting,” Teng said in Filipino after being part of the San Miguel Beermen’s run to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup title by defeating the Magnolia Hotshots in the recent Finals series.
“Once you get, I’m just thinking of getting more,” added Teng, who has waited six seasons to get a title since ending his celebrated UAAP career to join the big league.
READ: PBA: Jeron Teng always ready when called upon
Teng won two championships in the collegiate ranks, leading La Salle to glory in the 2013 and 2016 UAAP seasons.
But he was denied his first crack of experiencing the same in the PBA when Alaska lost to Magnolia to cap off his rookie season in the 2018 Governors’ Cup.
Reaching back to the PBA’s grandest stage was easier said than done since Teng continued to play for Alaska and later for Converge, until signing with the talent-laden San Miguel squad in the offseason.
READ: PBA: Jeron Teng ready for any role with stacked San Miguel
During the Beermen’s run to the crown, Teng was bothered by a hamstring injury that forced him to play just one game in the eliminations.
He did come back for the playoffs, and had a key showing during one of San Miguel’s games against Barangay Ginebra in the semifinals that ended in a sweep.
“It’s a different feeling winning in college and in the PBA,” Teng said. “I was even doubting myself that I would only win a championship in college. But now I’m a champion in the PBA, and hopefully it won’t be the last.”
San Miguel won for a record-extending 29th time, a portion of which was produced by Teng’s father Alvin, a part of the 1989 Grand Slam season.
The elder Teng captured during his Beermen stint from the late ’80s until the mid ’90s.
“He’s definitely proud that I’m part of this,” said Jeron. “Since I came to San Miguel, the joy that I’ve given to him is unmeasurable. He always told me to give my best for San Miguel.”