Athlete Spotlight: Abuk Teng
Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications
SALEM, Mass.- Our athlete spotlight features Abuk Teng (Manchester, N.H.). Teng was recently selected to the All-Tournament Team at the Coaches for Cancer Classic where the Vikings faced #16 Hope and Pitt.-Bradford at Lehman College in the Bronx, N.Y. on December 28 and 29, 2023. Teng averaged 17.5 points, nine rebounds for the Vikings, who went 1-1 during the tournament. During the first half of the season, Teng averaged 17.0 points per game (PPG) with an impressive six double-doubles, starting all 12 games.
The Manchester native spoke about this accomplishment. "I felt proud despite our first loss, I had another double-double with the help from my teammates feeding me the ball at the right times and hustling for rebounds. I was happy to take home some hardware and represent my team and school in New York."
She talked about averaging 17.0 points per game during the first half of the season. "I tried my best to stay aggressive and find my shot throughout the season. I really just try to let the game come to me and make the best choices when shooting the ball and when to pass it. This is what I have been working on in the off-season and it's translating."
The junior spoke about how comfortable she has become each year from her freshman year to her junior season. "I believe I've come a long way since my freshman year, my coaches trusting me and re- gaining my confidence throughout the years has helped me become the player I am today."
Teng, currently studying sociology, reflected on the first half of the season and what she is looking forward to for the second half of the season. "All of the games that we've won during non-conference were all great team wins that represented who we are as a team and what we can really do. I'm looking forward to playing any team that was ranked above us in the MASCAC preseason poll. We are definitely seen as the underdogs this year and I'm excited to play our best basketball this second half of the season."
Teng, who started playing basketball in fourth grade, talked about how her preparation varies from the off-season and during the season. "During the off-season I mainly work on my individual game, better ways to get to the hoop, improve my shot selection, getting stronger by lifting more often and practicing my ball handling. During the season I lift much less."
Her brother is someone who inspired her to play the game of basketball. "I was inspired by my older brother, he began playing first and I immediately wanted to follow in his footsteps. I loved to play and as I continued I just always found myself wanting to get better and face more competition. This sport brings a lot of personality out of me and I love expressing that when I play basketball."
"A professional player that I would love to see is Dana Evans. I've been a fan of hers since she played at Louisville and she's one of my favorite WNBA players. She plays for the Chicago Sky as a guard."
Teng has a message for the youth who aspie to play the game of basketball. "I would just say to make sure you're having fun, at the end of the day basketball is a sport that you are supposed to enjoy despite the losses and pressure that you'll face.
A specific game that resonated with Teng was when Salem State defeated Framingham State 83-80 on the road back on January 21, 2023. "One game I could think of is our win against Framingham last season. I think that was the first time Salem beat Framingham in a couple years so it definitely felt great handing them that upset loss." During that game Teng played all forty minutes; she went an impressive 11-14 from the field notching 28 points and five rebounds.
She spoke about her expectations heading into the second half of the season. "I expect good competition and basketball matchups going into the conference. This is what my team and I have been preparing for and we're ready to face whatever comes at us."
Abuk and the Vikings will travel to Framingham State on Wednesday, January 10, for a Massachusetts State Athletic Conference (MASCAC) contest. Game time is at 5:00pm.