Jeron Teng is thankful that his recovery from stab wounds sustained last month turned out earlier than expected after making a return to the Alaska Aces in Friday's lopsided win over the Phoenix Fuel Masters at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Teng had seven points and two rebounds in 18 minutes to highlight the Aces' 114-91 rout of the Fuel Masters and secure the twice-to-beat advantage in the PBA Commissioner's Cup with an 8-3 record.
The Alaska rookie along with former La Salle teammates Norbert Torres of Rain or Shine and Thomas Torres were stabbed during a fight with two men last month in Taguig and Aces coach Alex Compton had feared that Teng may miss the rest of the conference because of the severity of his injuries.
"Sobrang thankful ako and blessed na we have a great medical team in Alaska," said Teng, referring to Alaska team doctor Facundo Sun, head trainer Gus Vargas and assistant trainer Mike Braga.
"Tinutukan talaga nila therapy ko everyday kaya nakabalik din ako ng mas maaga," he added.
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Compton, however, praised Teng for his own effort in trying to get back as quick he could.
"Sa totoo lang, kung nangyari sa mga may edad yung nangyari kay Jeron, baka ilang buwan wala siya," Compton said. "Pero dahil bata siya, medyo mabilis ang recovery niya."
Teng hopes to make up for lost time and help Alaska go deep in the playoffs, beginning in the quarterfinals against the team that finishes seventh in the eliminations.
"Siyempre one month ako nawala kaya yung timing ko medyo off pa rin, pero I'm working on it," Teng said. "Swerte pa rin ako na may isang game pa before the playoffs. At least, kahit papaano nakalaro pa ako."(JT)
