MANILA, Philippines – More than his considerable basketball skills, former De La Salle University star Jeron Teng is hoping to make his mark as a leader when he suits up for AMA Online Education in the PBA D-League.

Teng was taken by AMA as the top pick of the D-League Draft and has since inked a one-conference deal with the Titans, who are hoping that the former UAAP Rookie of the Year and two-time Finals MVP can lead them to their first-ever semifinals appearance.

"I am excited to play for AMA," Teng said in an appearance on "The Score." "I met Coach Mark (Herrera), and we're really positive. I can't wait to be coached by him."

"I'm playing for another college, so it will be exciting for me," he added.

• READ: Teng is top overall pick in 2016 PBA D-League Draft

The 6-foot-2 Teng immediately becomes the best player and top scoring option for AMA, who will still have veterans Jay-R Taganas and Ryan Arambulo, as well as University of the Philippines guard Diego Dario.

When asked what he brings to the Titans, Teng pointed not to his scoring ability or much-improved playmaking and defense. Instead, he mentioned his intangibles.

"Probably, my leadership," he said. "I played five years for La Salle, and hopefully, lahat nang natutunan ko sa La Salle, I can apply it and pass it forward to my other teammates in AMA."

It will be a two-way street: As much as AMA will benefit from Teng's presence in the team, the forward also expects to gain precious experience and improve even further in what he calls a "good stepping stone" towards his PBA career.

"It's a way for me to prepare for the big league, for the PBA," he pointed out. "Going into the PBA, 'di mo rin alam kung sino ang makakasama ko, so it's a good stepping stone for me. I think I'll be able to learn a lot in the D-League that I can apply to my future career."

Meanwhile, Herrera is delighted to have a player of Teng's caliber in his squad. The coach told the D-League website that even up to now, Teng remains in game shape following the end of his collegiate career and plays with the same intensity that he did in La Salle.

"He's also very coachable," Herrera said. "I still can't see any point of concern for him, because he's an all-around player who can play offense and defense."

The 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants' Cup opens on January 19.

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