Update: Jeron Teng Will Play for DLSU

After that phenomenal 104-point feat in the Metrto Manila Tiong Lian Basketball tournament, all followers of the UAAP and the NCAA were anxious to know where Xavier School star Jeron Teng will play.

The long wait is over, and he has chosen to go to Taft.

UST Growling Tiger Jeric Teng, Jeron's older brother, tweeted earlier that his brother indeed has chosen to play for the Green Archers, consequently turning down the invitation of the Ateneo Blue Eagles and the NU Bulldogs, his two other choices. This announcement served only as a clarification to all

So what does the Xavier School Stallion bring into DLSU?

Teng could provide the athleticisim and inside scoring that apparently the DLSU Green Archers lack when it comes to the two or three position. Remember that during the past seasons, Jarelan Tampus, Luigi dela Paz, and Joseph Marata would prefer to take quick spot-up jumpers and long threes to get it done, with Joshua Webb (although he plays the four spot more frequently last season), the only one who drives the ball in most of the time. The MMTLB and the Youth Olympics last 2010 showed us what the 6'4" forward can do, having a tough upper body that comes with the ability to take a step ahead of the defender.

On the other hand, he has challenges ahead of him, and perhaps the most obvious one would be the UAAP playing field, which is much different compared to the small MMTLB, where he in fact towers and dominates above most, if not all. In this aspect, perhaps what could help him cope up with the quicker and more aggressive style of play in the UAAP will be his experience as a member of the U-18 Philippine Team, together with present UAAP stars Kiefer Ravena and Bobby Ray Parks. Another thing, which is common to all rookies, would be adjustment. He played in the Tiong Lian in the four or five position, and standing at 6'1"; however, in the UAAP, no one plays his position unless there is a very good reason to do so (e.g. a very wide and muscular body that could outman and outhustle everyone who enters the painted area). At such height and stature, he will have to resort to playing the small forward or shooting guard position, and this entails practicing his shooting and eventually improving his outside scoring abilities as well as the ability to defend quicker and taller players.

The way he played in the Tiong Lian and the Youth Olympics is reason enough for him to be DLSU's green hope for the season, especially that the DLSU system experiences a big shift as they made changes in the coaching staff. And it will be exciting to see him play against his former U-18 teammates Ravena and Parks, as he plays for the green and white.

Credits to jumpshot.sg for the image.