Tenorio’s arrival makes basketball look easy for Ginebra

“Ang dali ng basketball dito sa Ginebra.”

That’s how LA Tenorio, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s prized acquisition, describes playing for the PBA’s most popular team.

Tenorio scored just two points, but dished out 10 assists and nine rebounds in his first outing for the Gin Kings, who routed GlobalPort, 110-90, in the season’ opening game Sunday.

Amazingly, Tenorio hasn’t had much opportunity to get acquainted with his teammates.

“Nung Friday lang ako nag-full practice sa Ginebra. Nagkaroon kasi ako ng harmstring [injury] which I got in Tokyo, kaya recently lang ako naka-join ng full practice sa kanila,” Tenorio told InterAKTV in an exclusive interview.

Tenorio led a late 11-2 run to put the game away when GlobalPort threatened within striking distance.

“He brings a lot of intangibles and poise. There were instances when lumalapit na yung GlobalPort sa amin then LA created two or three turnovers,” said Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen.

“That’s the main reason we worked to get him. We need someone to take charge, make plays, make it easier for Mark and the other guys.”

Reigning Most Valuable Player Mark Caguioa said playing alongside Tenorio is a pleasure.

“He makes everything happen for us. He creates opportunities for the guys and honestly, dumali yung trabaho namin with LA around,” said Caguioa.

Another former MVP on the Ginebra roster, Jayjay Helterbrand, welcomes Tenorio’s arrival on the Ginebra roster with open arms, even though they play the same position.

“I don’t consider it a problem. We’re thankful to have him on our team. He does a lot of things for us. He breaks down the defense and he doesn’t panic. He makes everybody look good on the team and you can tell that our energy and confidence level were raised a notch higher with him around,” said Helterbrand.

SOURCE: Interaksyon