Not being part of any of the eight UAAP schools does not stop anyone from supporting these spectacular teams and sensational players. The UAAP season is one of the most highly anticipated events of sports enthusiasts each year. Thousands of people gather in the venues to witness each team fight for their university’s glory.
Today, let’s look back at some past Chinoy UAAP basketball idols and find out where they are now!
Jeron Teng (DLSU)
Photo by: Edward Solo
King Archer, Jeron Teng, grabbed a couple of UAAP championships and Finals MVP awards in the course of his collegiate career. Yet, possibly the most momentous highlight was when he led the DLSU Green Archers to a championship against his brother, Jeric Teng, during UAAP Season 76 in 2013, at the same time, picking up the Finals MVP Award. In 2017, he was drafted 5th overall by the Alaska Aces. Currently, Teng is still playing for the said PBA team.
Jeric Teng (UST)
Photo from: sports.abs-cbn.com
Jeric Teng played college ball for the UST Growling Tigers, with whom he won the Rookie of the Year award in 2009. He led his team against the Green Archers during his final season, but the Tigers fell short. He was drafted 12th overall by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the 2013 PBA draft. Jeric is now playing for the Pasig Sta. Lucia Realtors in the MPBL.
Paul Lee (UE)
Photo from: PBA.ph
Lethal Weapon, Paul Lee, is a professional basketball player drafted 2nd overall by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the 2011 PBA Draft. In 2016, he was sent to Star Hotshots on a blockbuster trade with James Yap. He is still playing for the said team, but the team is now called Magnolia Hotshots. In college, Lee suited up for the UE Red Warriors. He received the Most Improved Award in UAAP Season 72 and became part of the Mythical Team in Season 73.
Chris Tiu (ADMU)
Photo from: www.gmanetwork.com
Chris Tiu played for the Ateneo Blue Eagles during his college years. He was drafted 7th overall by the Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters in the PBA, with whom he played his entire professional career. He grabbed the Commissioner’s Cup title with the Elasto Painters in 2016 and announced his retirement in 2019. Apart from basketball, Tiu is a TV host, commercial model, politician, and a businessman as well.
James Yap (UE)
Photo from: tnt.abante.com.ph
Big Game James Yap suited up for the UE Red Warriors for his collegiate career, where he was named as the UAAP Most Valuable Player in 2003. He was selected 2nd overall pick in the 2004 PBA draft by the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants and won a number of MVP awards with the team. In 2014, he led his team, together with Marc Pingris and PJ Simon, to a historic grand slam and earned Finals MVP Awards. He is a 16-time PBA All Star starter as well. Yap played for the Star Hotshots for 12 seasons, winning seven PBA championships, before being traded to Rain Or Shine for Paul Lee in 2016.
Jeff Chan (FEU)
Photo by: Richard Esguerra
Jeff Chan played college basketball for the FEU Tamaraws. He was drafted 17th overall by Red Bull in the 2008 PBA Draft. Chan was one of the key players of the Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters until he got traded to Phoenix Fuel Masters. Currently, Chan is playing for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
