Game made easy for LA Tenorio with emergence of healthy Caguioa, 'Twin Towers'

LA Tenorio has averaged nine assists in Ginebra's first two games - both victories - as he focuses on his role as a facilitator for the Gin Kings' scorers. Jerome Ascano

BARANGAY Ginebra star LA Tenorio said the game has suddenly become easy for him with a healthy Mark Caguioa and the emergence of 'Twin Towers' Greg Slaughter and Japeth Aguilar.

Unlike the final stretch of last season when injuries to Aguilar and Caguioa put the pressure on Tenorio to take over the scoring lead, the former Ateneo star said he is now spoiled for choice when looking for someone to set up for a basket among Ginebra's battery of scorers.

“It’s (two wins to open the season) because of my teammates din. They deliver when I look for them, kasi that’s my job as point guard. So far, medyo madali sa trabaho ko,” Tenorio said after Ginebra’s 97-84 whipping of erstwhile unbeaten Rain or Shine on Sunday night.

That has allowed Tenorio to focus on his role as facilitator - and it showed with his numbers.

Against Rain or Shine, the 5-7 guard came close to a triple double with his 10 points, nine rebounds and eight assists in 36 minutes of play. He has in fact averaged nine assists in Ginebra's first two games - both victories - to go with 13.5 points and six rebounds.

While his playing minutes remain the same from last season even with the arrival of sophomore playmaker Emman Monfort, Tenorio said the load is definitely lighter.

“Actually, that’s my (facilitator) job and responsibilty sa team na ito, It just so happened naging scorer ako kasi Mark (Caguioa) got injured and Japeth also got injured last season kaya  desperation move na lang ng coach na maging scorer ako,” he said.

“Pero now, I’m more okay with my role though I’m still ready when they need me to deliver.”

Still, Tenorio hopes the Gin Kings will just stay grounded despite trouncing two playoff contenders in San Mig Super Coffee and Rain or Shine in their first two games, warning that complacency is their biggest enemy this early in the season.

“Two games pa lang eh. I keep on telling them (Gin Kings), 'Yes people will say sobrang lakas natin, magcha-champion na tayo.' But for me, it’s just two games. It’s still a long way to go,” he added.

Ginebra shoots for its third straight win in the PDLT myDSL-Philippine Cup when it clashes with Globalport and its up and coming star Terrence Romeo on Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena.