Ex-Ginebra killer Tenorio hopes to bring joy to the Barangay

AKTV/Paul Ryan Tan

LA Tenorio has broken the hearts of Ginebra fans numerous times.

In one memorable game last season, he scored seven points in 20 seconds, capped by the game-winning three-pointer, to lead Alaska to an out-of-town victory over Ginebra, a defeat that remains fresh in the minds of the team’s fans.

“Yun nga ang parating sinasabi ng mga tao, marami raw akong pinaiyak na Ginebra fans before,” Tenorio told InterAKTV in a telephone interview. “Pero magkakampi na kami ngayon. It’s a good thing they will cheer for me now.”

Tenorio was the centerpiece of the five-team monster trade completed last Friday that sent him to Ginebra. The 5-foot-8 guard, who is coming off a sensational performance to win Most Valuable Player honors in the 34th William Jones Cup, has been welcomed as a new hero by Ginebra fans.

But he said the never-say-die faithful should manage their expectations.

“Hindi dahil nasa Ginebra na ako, ibig sabihin mananalo na kami ng
championship,” said Tenorio, who begins practice with his new team on
Monday. “Hindi magic ‘yan. Kailangang paghirapan yan.”

The cool and calculating guard knows he has to make adjustments as well in his transfer to the Gin Kings.

“Panibagong pakikisama ito. Dati kasi I felt at home with Alaska.
Now, I’m going to start a new chapter in the Ginebra family,” said
Tenorio.

“Still, I hope this will be my final stop. Ayaw ko na rin yung
palipat-lipat. As much as possible nga, gusto ko dito na ako magretiro.”

Strong tradition

Tenorio joins a Ginebra franchise that enjoys a strong point guard tradition, beginning with Robert Jaworski and carried on by Bal David and Jayjay Helterbrand. Tenorio would be the latest to assume that mantle.

But Tenorio doesn’t want to make a big fuss about the history of the position.

“I don’t want to put pressure on myself. Those guys are great guards, mahirap pantayan yan,” said Tenorio. “I know na yung papel ko rito sa Ginebra will be different from the one I used to do in Alaska. So kung saan tayo makakatulong, doon lang tayo.”

Source: Interaksyon.com