Jeron Teng stays with Alaska; Taha, Banal join too

Jeron Teng is staying put with the Aces. PBA Images (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Alaska could be set to make Jeron Teng its main guy for a foreseeable future as the team re-signed him on Friday.

The swingman inked a new three-year max salary deal which would keep him to the team that drafted him fifth overall in the 2017 PBA Draft as he announced himself through a video statement.

"I'm happy and blessed to still be able to play for the Alaska Aces," Teng said.

Teng had a banner season last year, posting career highs in field goal percentage (41.4 percent), three-pointers (31.2), free throws (76), and in assists (4.3 assists per game).

Playing more of a secondary option to Vic Manuel, Teng also averaged 11.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 0.8 steal, and 0.3 block a game for Alaska last season.

But with the status of Manuel still uncertain despite re-signing a new contract, the team is now looking to Teng as its new cornerstone.

The Aces also announced that they signed Yousef Taha to a one-year contract, while Gab Banal makes a return to the PBA after a stellar campaign in the MPBL and the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 through the Aces as well.

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