If there is anything that the past PBA ‘bubble’ competition revealed about Alaska Aces forward Jeron Teng is that he is not just a scorer but a truly complete and well-rounded player.
With teams focused on limiting his points production Teng was able to showcase the other facets of his all-around game. Often pressed by defenders, even double-teamed, he was an enthusiastic passer who easily found open teammates for easy baskets.
Teng, who is not a point guard nor the team’s designated player maker, actually led Alaska in assists during the past conference. He averaged the most assists per game among the Aces with an average of 4.25 dimes during the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup.
Teng was at his best issuing assists during Alaska’s nail-biting 89-88 victory over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. He finished with eight assists while also adding 13 points, three rebounds and one block in that game.
Teng was also a voracious rebounder who relied not just on strength and speed but also anticipation to gobble up boards enabling him to average 4.75 rebounds in Alaska’s 12 games.
Alaska Head Coach Jeff Cariaso acknowledged Teng’s development and how he has managed to find ways to help the team other than just scoring.
“That’s one thing we have to understand with Jeron is that he’s really a guy with lots of skills. So I think if we showcase all the other parts of his game he will be such an effective and special part of the team because he can do other things that others can’t,” said Coach Jeff.
A known scorer Teng’s biggest contribution for Alaska was still his point production. He averaged in double digits in scoring with 11.25 points per game.
Teng joined Alaska in 2017 as the PBA’s fifth overall draft pick after a celebrated collegiate career which found him winning two UAAP titles and earning two UAAP Finals MVP awards in the process.
With the way he continues to improve there is no doubt that Teng will soon become one of the PBA’s superstars as well.
