LA Tenorio returning to basketball with ‘higher purpose’

FILE – LA Tenorio. AUGUST DELA CRUZ/INQUIRER

MANILA, Philippines — LA Tenorio is returning to basketball with “a higher purpose” after being declared cancer-free.

Tenorio on Wednesday announced his much-anticipated on-court return through an emotional social media post about his battle with Stage 3 colon cancer.

“Now, I am returning to basketball. For my love of the game,” wrote the Barangay Ginebra veteran, who is an eight-time PBA champion. “This time with a higher purpose.”

“Not as the old LA, but hopefully with the new and better version of myself. I hope I can help inspire people through the game of basketball – that life, winning battles, winning championships – are all more meaningful not because of the end goal but because of the journey,” he added.

The 39-year-old guard shared his journey from taking a break from basketball in February.

“My journey — from the tests, the surgery, the official diagnosis, to the 12 sessions of chemotherapy — was an experience, I will never forget, it’s the kind that marks us and gives us a different perspective in life,” Tenorio said. “Just like many other cancer patients, there were bad days but all I can be grateful for is God gave me the power to continue my life as a father, provider, son, brother, and friend to everyone around me all throughout the journey.”

Ginebra coach Tim Cone announced during Gilas Pilipinas’ press conference on Tuesday that Tenorio is cleared to join team practice “within days.”

Tenorio is grateful to all the people, who inspired and prayed for him during his journey.

“Life is short. Let’s live life to the fullest and more meaningful this time around. I can’t wait to touch a basketball once again. This is my story. And I’m ready to enter the next chapter of my life,” he added.

Tenorio will be part of Cone’s coaching staff in Gilas’ Asian Games campaign.