Ayo, Teng unfazed by high expectations for La Salle

MANILA, Philippines – Aldin Ayo and Jeron Teng have yet to debut together on the UAAP hard court, but they already share a common denominator.

And what comes with that honor is something they need no introduction to.

With La Salle penciled as the team to win it all, Ayo and Teng remain unfazed by the pressure to bring a championship to Taft.

“Syempre there’s pressure. But you know, it’s added motivation, kasi it shows na we can really win it,” Teng, a decorated guard for the Green Archers, said in a press conference at Novotel Hotel in Cubao, Quezon City Tuesday.

Teng, son of PBA great Alvin and brother of Rain or Shine cager Jeric, was the league’s Rookie of the Year in 2013. He made it to the Mythical Team the same season. The following year, he was Finals Most Valuable Player and a Champion.

The mounting expectations on arguably one of the most popular collegiate teams in the country come from Ayo joining the fold in the off-season. As a relatively unknown tactician, he commandeered an equally famed school in the Letran Knights to the NCAA championship.

Now all eyes are on his Archers.

“Back then no one knows my system. This time there will be no surprise factor. Everyone's going to prepare for us,” Ayo said.

“When I was in Letran, nobody's expecting us to achieve anything. But here in La Salle, they're expecting us to win it all,” he added.

And even though the league hasn’t started, the mentor and the apprentice sound like they’re in good synchronization already.

“If you take it positively it will motivate you more,” Ayo said, sounding just like the La Salle veteran.