MANILA, Philippines — The last time Jeric Teng and his younger brother Jeron donned identical uniforms was with Xavier School in 2008.
Jeric was in his senior year and Jeron was a freshman for the Golden Stallions. They won a championship that year in the famed Tiong Lian basketball tournament in 2008.
Now, they’re looking to win another as teammates in the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas national team that’s bound to play in China this weekend.
"Very excited ako. It’s the first time playing for the same team since high school. This is something bigger eh,” the former De La Salle University Green Archer said during the team’s send-off lunch on Tuesday.
The opportunity to sport the Philippine tricolors in the international hooping scene alone is exciting enough, said the two-time UAAP Finals MVP.
But more importantly, it’s also a window for his older brother to showcase full arsenal in hopes of snaring a second lease in life in the pros.
“This is a big opportunity for him, especially now that he has no commitment to any team. It’s an opportunity for him to showcase what he can do,” the 23-year-old forward added.
Jeric, for his part, couldn’t be happier. After all, this has been a fulfillment of one of his many basketball dreams.
“Talagang dream namin maging magkakampi uli,” the former University of Santo Tomas gunner said. “Sobrang blessing na sa national team pa kami nagkasama ni Jeron.”
The former UAAP Rookie of the Year and champion with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters added that this second chance to play alongside his brother Jeron has also brought them closer as siblings.
“Mas naging close kami,” the 26-year-old cager said. “Sa practice, sabay kaming nagpupunta. Iisang kotse na lang [ang gamit]. Napag-uusapan namin 'yung practice, 'yung system [ni coach Chot Reyes]. It's very fun. And since alam na namin 'yung laro ng isa’t isa, nakakatulog. Mas nagiging close kami.”
"I’ve always believed in my brother and I know what he’s capable of,” Jeron chimed in. "It’s a good experience for him — a chance to show again what he's got."