Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ LA Tenorio during a PBA Commissioner’s Cup game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—LA Tenorio may not be Ginebra’s go-to guy now but he sure felt like the star he is during the 30th PBA Press Corps Awards Night.
Tenorio, alongside Magnolia big Ian Sangalang, copped the Bogs Adornado Comeback Player of the Year award, which the Gin Kings veteran considered as his personal “MVP Award” at this stage of his career.
“For me, in this part and stage of my career, this is my MVP award,” said a proud Tenorio with Inquirer Sports.
PBA: LA Tenorio returning to basketball with ‘higher purpose’
“My Never Say Die—literally—testament spirit was recognized. This is really a testament of my faith in God, myself and my support system.”
Tenorio was awarded the comeback plum because of his return to the hardwood after a life-threatening stage three colon cancer.
Prior to his cancer revelkation, Tenorio held the PBA’s Iron Man feat for having played 744 games straight. He returned for Ginebra after missing the Season 47 Governors’ Cup.
Tenorio, though, admitted that it “wasn’t easy” to return from such a serious illness.
READ: Tim Cone to let LA Tenorio loose in return to PBA floor
“Honestly, it wasn’t an easy road but with the help of my family, management, they guided me and they were always there to check on me and give me inspirational talk,” said Tenorio.
“I had a vision that I worked for and I did everything just to come back,” the veteran guard added.
It certainly didn’t help that the treatments for his cancer were as tiring emotionally as it was physically. But he believed, and that paved way for his return to the sport he loves.
“Of course, during my treatments there were no assurances but thankfully with the help of my friends and supporters, I got through it.”
Passing the torch
Ginebra Gin Kings’ RJ Abarrientos during a PBA Governors’ Cup game. –PBA IMAGES
At 40 years old, it’s no secret that Tenorio’s swan song is looming in the horizon.
His eventual departure will sound the horn for Ginebra’s pursuit of looking for its point guard for the future.
Fortunately, that point guard is already in the Gin Kings’ grasp and he goes by the name of RJ Abarrientos.
“He will definitely be one of the best point guards in the PBA,” Tenorio said with conviction.
READ: PBA: Part of Ginebra’s future, RJ Abarrientos focuses on present
“He’s not even a rookie anymore with the way he plays. He just has to be focused first on running the system for the team now. He has to be there all the time and be consistent to lead Ginebra to championships; not just a championship, championships.”
Of course, former MVP and Ginebra mainstay Scottie Thompson is at the helm as Tim Cone’s primary point guard.
The Gin Kings, however, are always focused on “what’s next?”
READ; PBA: RJ Abarrientos showcases resilience in leading Ginebra
After Tenorio was Thompson and after Thompson? It’s only a matter of time until the Far Eastern University assumes the position as Ginebra’s next big thing.
“He’s on his way, much like what I said about Scottie before when he came in. He’s on his way.”
Tenorio, currently, has a hand in Abarrientos’ development as a point guard for Ginebra.
In fact, Abarrientos is slowly molding his name in the conversation for this season’s Rookie of the Year.
Tenorio, though, isn’t calling for his curtain call anytime soon as the Gin Kings are still on the hunt for a Governors’ Cup title, leading over Meralco, 1-0, in the conference’s best-of-five quarterfinals.