AMA Coach Mark Herrera knows Jeron Teng very well. With the former De La Salle Green Archer star as the cornerstore of a team that had one too many disappointments in previous years, Herrera is convinced the Titans will make a lot of noise this season.
“I’ve known Jeron back in his days at Xavier. He’s a winner. His energy and leadership will surely make a difference,” said Herrera, who made Teng the top pick overall of the 2016 Philippine Basketball Association Developmental League Draft.
AMA has advanced to the quarterfinals in almost every conference of each season. But that’s as far as they could get.
“I hope, this time, we’ll make it to the semis or hopefully to the championship,” offered the soft-spoken Herrera.
Teng, who helped the Archers win the University Athletic Association of the Philippines championship, makes his much-awaited debut on Thursday as the Titans open their campaign in the Aspirants’ Cup against newcomer Batangas. The lone encounter is scheduled at 3 o’clock at the Ynares Arena in Pasig, City.
With veterans Jay-R Taganas, Juami Tiongson and Ryan Arambulo leading his support crew, Teng and company are expected to have a walk in the park against a team formed barely a month before the league gets going with its seventh season.
Batangas Coach Eric Gonzales, who steered Phoenix to a title sweep last season, has little expectations with his new team but said he would be pleased if they could compete every game.
“What we’re building here is the character and development of the Batangueños. I hope we can be decent and help these players to be at their best,” Gonzales said.
The league marks its seventh season with a brief opening ceremony at 2 o’clock.
Image credits: Nonoy Lacza