Ex-Alaska star Tenorio the least surprised by Aces' rise to top

by **Ginebra Tambayan** Tue Apr 09, 2013 10:12 pm

FOR someone who has played for Alaska the past four seasons, Ginebra starting point guard LA Tenorio believes the franchise has what it takes to go all the way in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

It’s for this reason that Tenorio expects nothing short of a war when the Aces and Kings clash for the second time this conference in the main game of Wednesday’s doubleheader at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

“They have a good import (Robert Dozier) na sakto sa sistema nila. They also have the most dominating big guy in Sonny Thoss who’s playing well before the (back) injury,” Tenorio told Spin.ph shortly after Ginebra’s practice at the Xavier gym in San Juan on Tuesday.

Even in the absence of Thoss, Tenorio still considers the Kings at a disadvantage in the frontline since the Aces still have veterans Gabby Espinas and Sam Eman to man the post, while super rookie Calvin Abueva adds energy and hustle on the defensive end.

“May Gabby Espinas pa sila tapos meron din silang Calvin Abueva na masasabing game changer because of his energy and hustle,” Tenorio pointed out.

“They also have Cyrus and JV Casio. So kumpleto sila eh. Talagang they have the pieces to be on top and be successful. Kaya di ako nagugulat na nasa itaas sila,” he added.

The former Ateneo star has raised his own game after star player Mark Caguioa went down with an MCL injury on his left knee. In the Kings’ last three games, all of which Caguioa missed, Tenorio has averaged 20.6 points, seven rebounds, and 5.3 assists in 39 minutes of play.

Facing his former team for the fourth time this season, Tenorio is hopeful the Kings could continue their six-game winning streak entering the homestretch of the eliminations.

“Hopefully, matuluy-tuloy namin itong nagawa na namin for the past six games kahit may mga injuries,” he said.

Aside from Caguioa, the Kings will have to deal with the absence of starting center Billy Mamaril who is out for four weeks due to a fractured ring finger in his shooting hand.

SOURCE: SPIN.ph