Other Ginebra point guards agree: Tenorio is the main point man

Other Ginebra point guards agree: Tenorio is the main point man
Rey Joble, InterAKTV · Friday, September 21, 2012 · 2:55 pm


AKTV/Paul Ryan Tan

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel point guards have spoken, and it’s unanimous: newly-acquired LA Tenorio is the lead point guard for the Gin Kings this season.

Jayjay Helterbrand, Mike Cortez, and Rob Labagala have no problem if the newest member of the squad gets majority of the minutes and the spotlight.

“Egos have to be set aside in quest of a championship,” Helterbrand told InterAKTV. “I welcome LA with open arms. Management has done a tremendous job tinkering with our lineup.”

According to the 2009 PBA Most Valuable Player, Tenorio’s inclusion is vital to the team’s championship aspirations.

“We’ve got a right mix of veterans and young players, so I see LA, coming off his spectacular performance in the Jones Cup, will be an important ingredient for us,” said Helterbrand.

Cortez, who was the starting point guard for the Gin Kings for most of last season, knows Tenorio’s entry will take away huge minutes for the other guards, but he said he has already accepted his new role with the squad.

“I’m at the point of my career where I’m not concerned about not getting more minutes,” said Cortez. “I’m at the stage of my career where the only thing I think about is to win a championship.”

Ginebra gave up Enrico Villanueva and two draft picks in a complicated five team deal to bring in Tenorio, and his entry has had the most impact on Rob Labagala. The former University of the East guard has been relegated to Ginebra’s reserve list, and is scheduled to join the San Miguel Beermen in the ASEAN Basketball League after the Philippine Cup.

“Malaki talaga ang epekto sa akin sa pagpasok ni LA, pero accepted ko naman ito. Ang importante sa akin, part pa rin ako ng team at yugn pagpasok ni LA, gumanda yung tsansa naming manalo ng championship. Yun ang objective naming lahat, makuha yung championship,” said Labagala, who added that he’s looking forward to a bigger role in the ABL.

“I hope makatulong ako sa San Miguel, kung dati runner-up sila, we’re determined na makatulong na bigyan ang San Miguel ng championship.”

Source: Interaksyon.com

Hindi kaya ma-pressured si LA Tenorio neto? Helterbrand & Cortez were two of the best point guards during their time and they are willing to give way para kay LA. Whew! Must be hard for Tenorio.