LA Tenorio on the bench for Ginebra after cancer revelation

Ginebra guard LA Tenorio at the Gin Kings bench during his team’s semifinals match up against San Miguel. –PBA IMAGES

ANTIPOLO CITY — LA Tenorio appeared in Barangay Ginebra’s PBA Governors’ Cup semifinal series opener against San Miguel Beer on Friday in this city after being diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer.

Tenorio made his first public appearance since his announcement three days earlier by spending the contest at Ynares Center on the bench wearing a black Ginebra polo shirt and a white face mask.

He was also seen providing inputs to coach Tim Cone and teammates as Ginebra was looking to draw first blood against its fellow San Miguel Corporation squad in the best-of-five series.

WATCH: LA Tenorio grants a selfie before heading back to the bench for the second half of Barangay Ginebra’s semifinal opener against San Miguel Beer. | @jonasterradoINQ pic.twitter.com/nJ79OEXBXA

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 24, 2023

His presence was seen not only as welcome news for the Gin Kings, but the whole basketball community stunned by Tenorio’s revelation.

The veteran cager underwent surgery last week and is expected for more tests and further treatment in the coming months.

Tenorio had been out since March 1, resulting in the end of his record streak of 744 consecutive games.

Before the announcement, Cone saw Tenorio as an important figure in Ginebra’s chances of retaining the Governors’ Cup title even if he’s on the sideline, citing his leadership skills.