Jeric Teng shakes off rookie jitters

MANILA, Philippines - For a while, it seemed like Jeric Teng was in the UAAP shooting ‘em up from outside and mimicking the holstering of his two forefingers like they were smoking pistols. But after burying a trey in his first few minutes as a Rain Or Shine rookie in his PBA debut against Alaska in Davao City two weeks ago, reality set in and brought the former UST gunner’s feet back on earth.

Teng, the youngest of any player on either team at 22, found out soon enough playing in the PBA is way different from the UAAP. “I was a little nervous because this is a higher level of play,” he said. “I couldn’t believe I was playing against two of my idols Dondon Hontiveros and Cyrus Baguio. I’m adjusting to the physicality but I’m confident of doing what coach Yeng (Guiao) wants me to do.”

Last Sunday, Teng chalked up his first double-figure score in the PBA, hitting 10 points on 2-of-3 triples, 1-of-2 from two-point range and 2-of-2 free throws in 16 minutes. More than the numbers, Teng said the important thing was the Painters beat Barako Bull, 91-83, to improve to 3-1.

“The game before, I didn’t attempt a single field goal against Ginebra,” said Teng. “I focused on defense and locating open teammates and forgot about my offense. So coach Yeng talked to me after and told me not to hesitate to shoot if I’m open. Coach Yeng gives us rookies the chance to play. I have a lot to learn and I really want to improve my ballhandling. I’m more of a two-guard but slowly, I’m adjusting to playing point. Our team is doing well and that gives us confidence. Our lineup is deep. Our big guys can score from outside so we have so many options.”   

Teng said Guiao is a coach who gives every player the opportunity to shine. “Coach wants you to take it if you’re open and gets angry if you don’t,” he said. “His system allows every player to do his best. It’s equal opportunity. He wants us to play unselfish basketball and his goal is for us to become the PBA’s No. 1 fastbreaking team. It’s about teamwork and discipline.”

Although he never brought up the ball for UST, Teng said Guiao is challenging him to develop as a point guard. “Coach wants me to play one and two, that means I’ll have to do a better job of ballhandling and distributing,” he said. “Against Alaska, I was up against R. J. (Jazul) and Hontiveros. The highlight of my game was when I drove in then passed the ball to Jeff (Chan) who was open for a three-point shot and made it.”

Alvin and Susan Teng flew in from Manila to watch their son’s unveiling at the University of Southeastern Philippines gym. Younger brother Jeron also came for moral support. Alvin, who traces his roots to Davao, brought along about 10 relatives from the city to cheer for his son. It was a memorable reunion. Jeron left at 5 the next morning to make the bell for his first class at La Salle.

Another Rain Or Shine rookie Alex Nuyles made his PBA debut that Sunday. Teng finished with five points, one rebound and one assist, shooting 1-of-5 from the floor and 2-of-2 free throws. Nuyles hit 1-of-6 field goals and 2-of-2 foul shots. A third Painters rookie Raymond Almazan arrived from Manila at 10:45 p.m. with assistant coaches Caloy Garcia and Mike Buendia only hours after playing for Letran in the NCAA Finals.

Teng said he’s lucky to be playing with Nuyles and Almazan. “Alex is very athletic and a tough defender. If the defense relaxes, he’ll score,” said Teng. “Raymond is proving why he’s a top three draft pick, he can score inside and outside and he’s a dominating rebounder. I feel blessed that I’m with our team. Before the draft, I practiced with Globalport, Barako and San Mig Coffee so I was surprised when Rain Or Shine picked me. I’m very happy with Rain Or Shine. The Chinese management is very supportive. My teammates are all helping me to improve, like Jervy (Cruz) who’s from UST, Chris (Tiu) and T. Y. (Teng) who are also from Xavier like me and Ryan (Arana) and Paul (Lee) whom I shoot with and play 1-on-1 after practice. They’re all giving me advice, also Gabe (Norwood) on what I should do in certain situations. We’re all very close, we have good team rapport and communication.”

Against Barako last Sunday, Teng said he had fits defending Willie Miller. “Kuya Willie is so experienced and so deadly in many ways,” he said. “When he posts up, it’s hard to stop him from scoring. I also defended Mark Macapagal and Jonas Villanueva. I’m slowly adjusting and taking it one game at a time.”                                             

Teng said his aim is to improve game after game. “I want to do better than my previous game,” he said. “Not just in terms of points but in defense and distributing the ball. My focus is not to take a step back.”