Photo By Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—LA Tenorio is still the one running the show for Barangay Ginebra, but he knows time will come when he will relinquish the reins to someone deserving of that responsibility—-Scottie Thompson.
Tenorio, 34, sees big things in his younger teammate, who has already shown tremendous potential in his few years in the PBA.
Tenorio and Thompson led the Gin Kings to the 2018 Commissioner’s cup with the former Perpetual star taking home the Finals MVP plum after Ginebra’s 4-2 series win against San Miguel.
“Scottie has a bright future not only with Ginebra but also in the PBA,” said Tenorio during the PBA Media Day Thursday at Solaire Resort and Casino. “I think it won’t be long, he’ll be the face of the PBA.”
“He has the work ethic, the way he plays the game, and even though he won’t give you 30, 40 points a game but he brings an effectiveness to the team, he’s unrelenting on the boards, he’s playing defense, and he’s dishing out these crazy passes that even I don’t know where he’s threading,” added Tenorio in Filipino.
Thompson averaged nearly a double-double for the Gin Kings in the past season putting up 9.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, with 5.6 assists and Tenorio knows his job left is to further guide the budding superstar.
Tenorio said one of the reasons why he’s still with the team is to guide his younger teammates like Thompson.
“I’m their big brother, and I think that’s one of my purposes here in the team and hopefully I can stay with the team longer because I want to guide the younger players especially Scottie,” said Tenorio.