The Philippine Basketball Association’s own version of “Iron Man”, LA Tenorio, revealed the real reason behind his absence from the league. On Tuesday, Tenorio announced he was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. Earlier this month, the Barangay Ginebra captain was sidelined for the rest of the Governor’s cup after an apparent “groin injury”. However, Tenorio revealed that the real culprit for why he is not playing is because of the said disease. Since March 1, the veteran point guard has not participated in team practices. With his current condition, will L.A. Tenorio finally hang his number in the rafters?
LA Tenorio's statement:
I was recently diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer. The initial testing three weeks ago led me to instantly miss practices and games. I have completed my surgery last week and will soon undergo treatment for the next few months. https://t.co/DWF0DRrj3e
— Barangay Ginebra (@barangayginebra) March 21, 2023
3 weeks after officially being ruled out of the PBA Governor’s cup, LA Tenorio releases a statement on his whereabouts
The “Tinyente” (Lieutenant) issued an official statement on the website of the PBA following his absence from the court.
“I would like to issue a statement about my health status by firstly apologizing to my teammates, some coaches, the PBA, the fans, the media and even some friends. As most of you are aware I have been nursing a minor injury since the Finals last January. I used that as the reason for my sudden absence. My sincerest apologies to all,” Tenorio expressed.
“I was recently diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer. The initial testing three weeks ago led me to instantly miss practices and games. I have completed my surgery last week and will soon undergo treatment for the next few months,” the 38-year-old point guard added.
Is L.A. Tenorio retiring from basketball?
According to Tenorio, he has already undergone surgery last week. Aside from that, he will also be undergoing further treatment and various tests over the course of the following months. It’s already evident that he will miss the rest of the season or even the whole year due to his healing process.
But, PBA’s Iron Man is still standing strong. Tenorio believes he can survive and will battle cancer with the help of his family, friends, fans, and doctors. L.A. made it clear he is not retiring from basketball and he hopes he can return to the hardwood very soon.
“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. 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.” Tenorio’s optimistic statement on his health.
Considered to be the league’s Ironman, Tenorio played for 744 straight games which is also a PBA record.
Tenorio’s basketball career: A future Hall-of-Famer and Barangay Ginebra legend
Lewis Alfred Vasquez Tenorio is a professional basketball player from the Philippines who currently plays for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). He was born on July 9, 1984, in Nasugbu, Batangas, Philippines. Tenorio started his basketball career playing for the Ateneo Blue Eagles where he played for five seasons.
In 2006, Tenorio was drafted 4th overall by the San Miguel Beermen
He won his first PBA title with the Alaska Aces in the 2010 Fiesta Conference and was named the Finals MVP. He also won the Best Player of the Conference award in the 2013 Commissioner’s Cup. Tenorio was traded to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in 2012, where he continued to excel as a point guard. He helped Ginebra win the 2016 and 2017 PBA Governor’s Cup championships and was named the Finals MVP on both occasions.
In addition to his already long list of accolades, Tenorio has also represented the Philippines in international competitions, including the FIBA Asia Cup and the Southeast Asian Games. He was a key player in the Philippine team that won the silver medal in the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship. Throughout his career, Tenorio has been known for his leadership, court vision, and clutch performances. He is considered one of the best point guards in the history of Philippine basketball. The 38-year-old is an 8-time PBA champion, 4-time Finals MVP, 10-time PBA All-Star, and 4-time PBA Mythical team.
We at Spiel Times are hoping for L.A. Tenorio’s fast recovery. Hopefully, the “Tinyente” makes his awaited comeback to the PBA and brings another chip to the Barangay Ginebra. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. For more content, stay with us, here at Spiel Times.
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