UST's captain Jeric Teng vows not to repeat past season's mistakes

by Erik Tenedero

MANILA, Philippines - UST Growling Tigers team captain Jeric Teng vows not to repeat past UAAP season's mistakes as the 76th year of the country's premier colleagiate league begins Saturday. 

"No way," said Teng in an interview with DZMM online. "Not gonna happen. Hindi na uli. Tama na yung last year. We learned from our loss."

The UST men's senior basketball team was swept last year by the Ateneo Blue Eagles in a three-game series championship. 

Being the captain, Teng admits  the pressure of going back to the finals is heavier, but he assures the UST community that it will not get in the way of the team's hunger to clinch this year's title. 

"Siyempre pressured. 'Yun nga lang it all boils down to how much you want it. Siyempre galing kami sa talo, dapat mas gutom na kami. Mas gusto naming manalo," he said. 

For this season's preparation, Teng said they are still working on coach Pido Jarencio's new system. 

Asked about whether the team already found a replacement for the former point guard Jeric Fortuna who already graduated, Teng said there was no need for this since coach Jarencio wants all his players to drive that ball. 

"Dati si Fortuna hawak niya lagi 'yung bola. This time gusto ni coach Pido kahit sino pwede pasahan ng bola, versatile. 'Yung mga 1, 2, 3, 4 pwedeng magdala ng bola."

This season will be the last for Teng as he's expected to graduate next year. 

The 22-year old former Rookie of the Year has only one thing in his mind after college and that is to join the professional league.  

"Goal ko talaga, Dream ko talaga since childhood 'yung PBA so hopefully I'll have a good season para if ever magpa-draft na ko," he said. 

"I want to make the most out of my last year. Sana mag-champion na. "