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Barangay Ginebra’s LA Tenorio. Photo from PBA Images.

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Rom Anzures

ABS-CBN News

<figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments" id="isPasted"><img alt="Barangay Ginebra’s LA Tenorio. Photo from PBA Images." src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1706624512689.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><figcaption>Barangay Ginebra’s LA Tenorio. Photo from PBA Images.</figcaption></figure>MANILA — After a battle with cancer, LA Tenorio has made a triumphant return in the PBA in Barangay Ginebra’s recently-concluded PBA Commissioner’s Cup campaign. <ul><li><a data-cke-saved-href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/09/19/23/tim-cone-la-tenorio-now-cancer-free" href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/09/19/23/tim-cone-la-tenorio-now-cancer-free">Tim Cone: LA Tenorio now cancer-free</a></li><li><a data-cke-saved-href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/12/03/23/pba-ginebra-brings-down-terrafirma-in-tenorios-return" href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/12/03/23/pba-ginebra-brings-down-terrafirma-in-tenorios-return">PBA: Ginebra brings down Terrafirma in Tenorio&#x27;s return</a></li></ul> The 5-foot-9 long-time Barangay Ginebra San Miguel court general played 11 games in the recently concluded conference, averaging 2.5 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists, while also shooting 53.8% from beyond the arc.While below his usual averages, Tenorio was just glad to finally step foot on the hardcourt again.“I’m happy, but sayang lang. It could’ve been a nice story to tell no? Pero, I’m happy that I’m back playing again at a high level,” said the four-time PBA Finals MVP following their series defeat against the San Miguel Beermen. Tenorio then rued not being able to move past SMB, especially since it would mean that they would not have the chance to defend their Commissioner&#x27;s Cup title in the Finals.<ul><li><a data-cke-saved-href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/01/28/24/smb-sweeps-ginebra-makes-pba-finals-return" href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/01/28/24/smb-sweeps-ginebra-makes-pba-finals-return">SMB sweeps Ginebra, makes PBA Finals return</a></li></ul> “Sayang, mas magandang storya kung naka Finals man lang. But you know, it is what it is. The most important thing is we still have another conference,” he said.Still, Tenorio appreciated that he had the opportunity to get some runs and play competitive basketball, something that he needs as he moves forward in his career.“For me, personally, I am looking forward ako sa All-Filipino, to play again and to get better. The timing, [wala] pa eh. Hopefully, by the next conference, I’ll be much better,” said the veteran point guard.The Gilas Pilipinas star turned assistant coach, however, understands that his role with the team now concerns more of leading and mentoring Ginebra’s current point guard rotation — one that is comprised of Scottie Thompson, Maverick Ahanmisi, Nards Pinto, and rookie Donald Gumaru — and less of actually providing impact through points.“Not really playing, but much better in a leadership role even though I’m not playing,” Tenorio said.“Before kasi it’s a different role. I’m playing, then at the same time, I’m leading the team inside the court. This time, it’s being more vocal outside the playing court.”“Siguro yun yung next role ko. I’m still adjusting, kasi less than a year ago lang, I was still playing heavy minutes, so now, I have to adjust,” the many-time PBA champion added.Also adding optimism for Tenorio is how they would now have the whole off-season to train, unlike the last one wherein some of their players were with Gilas due to National team duties.“Sana makatulong. Hopefully, what happened to Jamie [Malonzo], hindi siya maging setback. He’s a big piece sa puzzle namin,” Tenorio said, referring to Malonzo’s lower leg injury that he sustained in the last game.“Other than that, we are really looking forward to this All-Filipino. For sure, we’ll get better, especially yung players with their new roles.”On a different note, Tenorio said that this current run of his with Ginebra is his way to continue his new-found mission in his hoops career.“There are a lot of things to be grateful and thankful for. Personally, just me being here, playing with Ginebra, playing in the PBA.”“God gave me another chance to play again for me to be an inspiration not just as a basketball player,” Tenorio continued. <ul><li><a data-cke-saved-href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/09/20/23/tenorio-returns-to-basketball-with-higher-purpose" href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/09/20/23/tenorio-returns-to-basketball-with-higher-purpose">LA Tenorio returns to basketball ‘with higher purpose’ after battle with cancer</a></li></ul> “[This is] more than basketball.”<div>RELATED VIDEO</div><div><ivs-player data-ivs-key="e8c22c015ca9eafa76f1e3edfa03c603" data-ivs-spid="3001339" data-ivs-vid="2946106"></ivs-player></div><script src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/js/loader.js"></script>

After a battle with cancer, LA Tenorio has made a triumphant return in the PBA in Ginebra’s recently-concluded PBA Commissioner’s Cup campaign.

After a battle with cancer, LA Tenorio has made a triumphant return in the PBA in Ginebra’s recently-concluded PBA Commissioner’s Cup campaign.

LA Tenorio relishes PBA return, optimistic for Ginebra’s Philippine Cup chances

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LA Tenorio relishes PBA return, optimistic for Ginebra’s Philippine Cup chances

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

Published January 30, 2024 10:57 PM PHT

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Updated January 31, 2024 07:55 AM PHT

Read More:

Basketball

PBA

PBA Season 48

PBA Commissioner’s Cup

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel

Ginebra

BGSM

Tim Cone

San Miguel Beermen

San Miguel

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