By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings veteran guard LA Tenorio is expected to be out for awhile in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) after being diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer.
The 38-year-old Tenorio said his illness was the reason for his absence in Gin Kings’ matches in the 2022-2023 PBA Governors’ Cup, which also ended his streak of consecutive matches in the league.
“I was recently diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer. The initial testing three weeks ago led me to instantly miss practices and games,” Tenorio said in a statement yesterday.
“I completed my surgery last week and will soon undergo treatment for the next few months,” Tenorio added, who also apologized to his fans and the media for earlier saying that his absence was due to an injury.
Dubbed as the PBA’s “Ironman” for playing 744 consecutive games since he started his PBA career, Tenorio’s streak was snapped last March 1 when he sat out Ginebra’s match against Meralco Bolts.
His last game was back on February 19, 2023, when the former Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles guard tallied eight points, two rebounds and an assist in 14 minutes in Ginebra’s win against Blackwater Bossing.
However, Tenorio was optimistic and believes that he can still play in the league and return stronger with the help of the best doctors in the Philippines and Singapore.
“I have given not only 17 full years to the PBA, but have dedicated my whole life to basketball. I have committed my body and health for the love of the game. It has been my passion and love. Sadly, there are things beyond one’s control,” Tenorio said.
“But with my faith, I am lifting everything to God now and I believe there is a higher purpose as I go through this part of my life. I am not yet retiring from the game I love, and with the help of the best doctors in the Philippines and Singapore, I believe I can touch a basketball once more and return stronger,” he added.
Tenorio was also grateful for the support given to him by San Miguel Corporation chairman Ramon Ang, his good friend and SMC sports director Alfrancis Chua, and the fans.
“Lastly, to all, as much as I greatly appreciate everyone’s well-wishes and messages of support and prayers — for my children’s well-being, in this social media and internet era, I am humbly asking everyone’s respect for my family to go through this journey privately and discreetly as much as possible,” Tenorio said.
“Together with my family and loved ones, you are all my strength, inspiration and what drives me to be the best person I can ever be, physically, mentally and spiritually. I will see everyone very, very soon,” the veteran guard concluded./ASC, WDJ