By ANGELO CAPARAS
As he marked another year in his life, LA Tenorio may have also marked the end of his storied PBA career as Ginebra bowed out in heartbreaking fashion to San Miguel in their win-or-go-home semis duel on Wednesday, July 9 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Absorbing a gut-wrenching 100-93 Game 7 defeat right on his 41st birthday, Tenorio stood at a crossroads on his career and hinted at possible retirement.
“We’ll see. You’ll hear it from me, definitely, in the next few weeks,” said Tenorio when asked about his future plans and possibly calling it quits after a fruitful 18 seasons that saw him win eight championships and four Finals MVP plum.
“Nakakalungkot lang, if this is really my last game,” said Tenorio.
The veteran guard suited up for only two games this PBA season, both in the semifinals, where he delivered a heroic three-point shot that enabled the Gin Kings to pull off an 88-87 Game 6 win and drag the series to a decider.
“I think [the most] memorable this season is really my last game, Game 6. Kasi dun lang ako naglaro for the whole season so it’s definitely memorable for me,” said Tenorio, who scored all of his 11 points in the final frame of that game.
“Memorable sa akin iyon definitely kasi I don’t know what’s gonna happen to me for the next few weeks, few months so will see. Di ko pa alam yung plano ko,” added Tenorio.
Despite the loss, Tenorio emphasized that he remains proud of the team for pushing the series all the way to a hard-fought Game 7.
“I’m very proud of the team na lumaban. Umabot kami ng Game 7, Nagkaroon kami ng opportunity of playing sa Game 7. I think more than that, it’s really the experience of continuously playing in a Game 7,” said Tenorio.
“Hopefully in time, mabunutan na ng tinik;” he added
Aside from his championship achievements, Tenorio was also honored as the PBA Comeback Player of the Year during the 30th PBA Press Corps Awards Night in recognition of his inspiring return to the hardwood after overcoming a life-threatening battle with stage three colon cancer.
Tenorio has already ventured into coaching even while he is playing, having taken the role as the head coach of the Gilas Boys – a path that awaits him should he decide to finally hang up his jersey.
