Jeric Teng: MPBL restart 'helpful' for players to return to tip-top shape

As sports events continue to transition well into the new normal, professional players are also grateful for the opportunity to be in great shape once again.

Pasig Sta. Lucia Realtors wing man Jeric Teng is one of the players who think having leagues like the upcoming Chooks-to-Go MPBL Invitational in December is beneficial as far as their conditioning as athletes is concerned.

“I am slowly getting back in shape dahil nag-enter ako ng Filbasket, sobrang overweight,” Teng shared during the official draw for the Invitational tournament held last Friday.

“Ngayon, I’m starting to lose weight so maganda na tuloy-tuloy ang mga liga, very helpful ‘to sa akin as an athlete na maka-balik agad (to tip-top shape).”

The former UST Growling Tigers star averaged 8.3 PPG, 3.2 RPG, and 2.8 APG in 12 games with the Realtors in the recently-concluded Filbasket.

As Pasig is poised to bring virtually the same core to the MPBL wars, Teng shared working on their chemistry is key in the FIBA-style tournament where every game counts.

“Iwo-work pa namin ‘yung chemistry namin, mga mistakes naming noong Filbasket, ma-correct namin para sa MPBL,” the 30-year-old forward said.

The former Rain or Shine Elasto Painter in the PBA is also looking forward to the exciting and unpredictable nature of the tournament.

“Every game is a big game, kasi short tournament lang. Talagang every game counts. Walang pahingahan ‘to kasi araw-araw,” he said.

On a personal level, Teng hopes to bring his usual all-around game, which shall come naturally once he continues to get back to his top form.

“Dati naman sa Lakan Cup, I tried to do everything. Minsan, ako bumabantay sa big man, ako buma-boxout, ako rume-rebound. Hopefully, itong MPBL, slowly, mabalik ko yung laro ko. Slowly, I try to help in all aspects ng game – rebounding, assists, scoring, defense,” he concluded.

“Definitely, I am a lot lighter now. Very fortunate na tuloy-tuloy itong MPBL para tuloy-tuloy ang momentum.”

The invitational tournament shall be held from December 11 to 23 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Chooks-to-Go MPBL photo

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Levi Joshua Jr Verora

Levi Joshua Jr. Verora is a sportswriter, announcer, and commentator in the Philippines. He has covered national and international events like the FIBA Olympic and World Cup Qualifiers, AmeriCup, Asia Cup, and 3x3, Asian Volleyball Championship, ASEAN Basketball League, Southeast Asian Games, and AFF Championship. Nowadays, you'll hear his voice in the Philippines Football League and other local sports leagues.

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