These days, everyone is enamored with the brothers Jeric and Jeron Teng, the next generation of basketball superstars.
In Game 3 of the UAAP basketball finals series, Jeric and Jeron played their mightiest for the UST Growling Tigers and De La Salle Green Archers, respectively—rallying their teams until the final buzzer, to bag the championship.
The Green Archers emerged champion, with Jeron assisting the team to a 71-69 victory over Jeric and the Growling Tigers.
But what touched the public’s heart even more is the brothers’ love and support for each other, over and above everything that happened in the arena. There was definitely no bad blood between them—only praises, good wishes and undeniable support.
After that thriller championship, Jeric and Jeron became basketball sensations and the ultimate eye candy. People line up to have pictures taken with the brothers, or at the very least, catch a glimpse of them.
2bU got lucky and had the opportunity to sit down with Jeric and Jeron:
When did you start playing basketball?
Jeric: Since I was a kid, I have been playing basketball and watching NBA games. At Xavier, I tried out for the team in Grade 3 but I did not make the cut. I tried out again in Grade 6.
From there, I continued playing for the team until high school.
Jeron: I started playing basketball when I was in Grade 3.
How did Xavier help in your basketball career?
Jeric: Of course, Xavier was my stepping stone to make a name for myself and for people to know me. The values I’ve learned from Xavier are really one-of-a-kind, from the education to hard work and determination.
How different is college basketball from high school basketball?
Jeric: College is really a bigger challenge. UAAP is a more serious playing field. It’s a bigger league, and more people watch and patronize it.
Jeron: In high school, you can do whatever you want because not many players are that good, as compared to college. In college, you really have to adjust because players are tougher and stronger.
What are the things you had to sacrifice to play basketball?
Jeron: Time with family, friends and also partying. During the season, you really can’t go out. You have to focus, and we also can’t let other people see that we’re out.
Despite all the challenges you encountered, what motivated you to continue pursuing the sport?
Jeric: Just my dream. I really work hard to achieve what I really want to achieve.
How did you feel before and after the championship game?
Jeric: Before, I was excited but at the same time nervous because it was my last game and my last chance of getting the championship. After, I was disappointed that I blew my chance of winning.
Jeron: When they won the semifinals against NU, I was really happy for my brother because it is his last year. It extended his playing years in college. But it also saddened me that we were going to be opponents in the finals, because we were teammates in high school.
After the finals, I had mixed emotions. I was happy that we won, but I was also sad for my brother.
How did you comfort your brother after La Salle won?
Jeron: I told him that he didn’t have anything to prove anymore because he really led the UST team in the finals. I also told him that he’s ready for the next level, which is the PBA, and that I will always support him.
Were you allowed to speak to each other before the final game?
Jeric: No, it was really about the competition that time. We also stayed in different places. I stayed at UST while Jeron was at La Salle.
How about the family? How did everyone feel after the championship game?
Jeron: It was just like a normal day. We couldn’t celebrate, and we couldn’t mourn. It was just like a typical day when we always support each other.
What is your advice to young and aspiring players?
Jeric: If you really love what you are doing, you have to be disciplined and you have to know your priorities. You have to stick to your goals and do everything to achieve them.
Jeron: Never give up, because when Jeric and I started, we weren’t that good. But with hard work, we got to where we are now.