Tenorio, Gin Kings eager to give meaning to new ‘Ginebra Ako’ jerseys

Ginebra stars and endorsers present the limited edition jerseys the Gin Kings will be wearing in the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup beginning next month. Photo by Mark Giongco/INQUIRER.net

Get used to a new-look Barangay Ginebra team in the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

The Gin Kings, though, didn’t make changes to their roster, but instead will be rocking a fresh set of uniforms.

Ginebra San Miguel on Wednesday unveiled the team’s new kits during the launch of the 2018 Limited Edition “Ginebra Ako” jersey collection.

Gin Kings stars LA Tenorio, Scottie Thompson, Mark Caguioa, Japeth Aguilar and Greg Slaughter showcased the uniforms which are different from any of the team’s jerseys in the past.

Unlike Ginebra’s previous uniforms, the latest will be in pinstripes and will still come in red and white but only this time, it will have yellow trim and accents.

Ginebra debuts new jerseys with a loss to Wendell Ramos, Jinri Park and Myrtle Sarrosa in 3-on-3. 😂 pic.twitter.com/RgRv1VoWyK

— MG (@MarkGiongcoINQ) March 21, 2018

Tenorio said the uniforms make him more excited to be back in the court. He even compared the feeling of sporting new uniforms to having a fresh pair of kicks to play in.

“It’s unique. It’s like an All-Star jersey with a retro feel,” the veteran playmaker told INQUIRER.net. “The management had been talking about this since last conference and now that it’s out, we’re very excited to play.”

“It’s like having new shoes and you’re excited to use it. It’s the same as having this jersey.”

The 33-year-old Tenorio, though, is not the type who puts premium on style over substance.

More than anything, Tenorio’s biggest takeaway from the jerseys wasn’t the pinstripes. What stood out for him was the words written on the front.

“Yes, the jerseys look good but I think more than wearing the jersey is the purpose why you’re wearing the jersey especially what’s on the front which says ‘Ginebra Ako,’” he said.

“That speaks a lot. It could mean a lot of things especially when we’re wearing it. We have to live up to the people, the fans’ expectations which is what’s written on our jerseys,” the three-time Finals MVP added.

Tenorio said “Ginebra Ako” also serves as a reminder to the players to not take anything for granted.

“Once we wear this jersey in the game, I think from start to finish, we really have to give our best. That’s what we have to give meaning to which is what’s on the jersey.”