MANILA, Philippines—More than making his debut on the Southeast Asian Games stage, LA Tenorio is relishing the chance to teach his fellow veteran stars who are part of the national training pool.
Tenorio is one of six Ginebra players head coach Tim Cone named on the pool, which also included the likes of reigning five-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo of San Miguel Beer and returning national team player Jayson Castro of TNT.
“Actually, I’m very excited because I’m not coaching young players but I’m coaching vets and superstars so imagine if all those players will listen to me,” Tenorio told reporters Monday night after the team’s first practice.
“It’s an achievement for me to teach the June Mars, Chris Ross’, the Matthew Wrights and even Jayson. For them to listen to me and I see them do things that I taught them [regarding] the system, I’m okay with that even if I don’t play. To be able to help the team by doing that? Why not?”
With limited number of practices, Cone went with familiarity in building his Philippine team.
Greg Slaughter, Scottie Thompson, Stanley Pringle, Japeth Aguilar and Art dela Cruz are the other Gin Kings joining Tenorio while Chris Ross, Matthew Wright, Marcio Lassiter, Christian Standhardinger, Troy Rosario and Roger Pogoy also make up the squad tasked to defend the country’s throne.
The 35-year-old Tenorio said his inclusion came as a surprise but he his nonetheless, honored to be give one more opportunity to play for flag and country in what could be his Gilas swan song.
“I never expected this to happen but it’s an opportunity again to play for the national team so why not? Maybe this is the last time and this is my first time to play in the Southeast Asian Games. I played in SEABA and Asian Games but this is my first time so I hope this ends up being a great stint for us in the SEA Games.”