LA Tenorio surprised to lead Best Player derby

LA Tenorio’s recent performance has put him in an unlikely position as a strong contender for his first-ever Best Player of the Conference award in the ongoing PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

What’s more important for the Barangay Ginebra star point guard, however, is to sustain his recent showing to help the Gin Kings reach the semifinals of the import-flavored conference.

The 28-year-old Tenorio has never won a BPC award since being selected fourth overall by San Miguel in the 2006 rookie draft.

But the 5-foot-8 playmaker has stepped up in the absence of superstar Mark Caguioa, putting up averages of 19.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.8 steals in the team’s last five games that enabled him to top the statistical points standings at the end of the elimination round.

Tenorio hopes to continue his solid performance on Saturday when the seventh-seeded Kings begin their uphill climb for a Final Four spot by facing twice-to-beat Rain or Shine.

“Though naging personal goal ko yun (win the BPC plum), pero bale-wala din naman yung stats na yun kung di kami manalo bukas. Kaya aggressive lang talaga uli kami,” Tenorio told Spin.ph after the Kings practice on the eve of their quarterfinal showdown with No. 2 seed Elasto Painters on Saturday.

Tenorio said it was a surprise for him to emerge as the statistical points leader considering his early showing during the 14-game elimination round.

“Masama nga ang laro kong nung first few games namin this conference. Pero para sa akin, importanteng makapasok muna kami sa semis,” Tenorio said.

The former Ateneo superstar said this conference has been quite a challenge for him considering that he has had to play multiple roles for the handicapped Gin Kings.

Tenorio has acted as a scorer, a facilitator, and a defensive ace after reigning MVP Caguioa went down with an MCL injury on his left knee about a month ago.

SOURCE: SPIN.ph