I'm just a girl who really loves basketball. I know a lot of people will ignore this post because in their minds, a girl and basketball just don't fit. Well, what I ask of you is just less than 5 minutes of your time to read this post. I'm not a professional basketball player nor a sport critic. I just want to write something that will boost someone's confidence and that's LA Tenorio.
I'm not really a die-hard Ginebra fan. In fact, I'm a solid part of the San Mig Coffee Planet. However, it just breaks my heart to see all the bashes directed to LA Tenorio. In my opinion, he never deserved and deserves all those criticisms he got.
After that Justin Melton last free throw that made SMCM lead by 3, I was really enthusiastic because there was a large possibility that San Mig would grab that Game 5. Nevertheless, with the remaining time left, it was not impossible for that game to head to overtime. When the inbound was made and the ball was in the hands of LA Tenorio, I got nervous because I knew what capability this star point guard has. But after speeding up and attempting to get a lay-up, I was stunned. I looked at the scores at the bottom of the TV because I was confused whether SMCM was ahead of 2, instead of 3. But after confirming that Ginebra was down by 3, I thought hard. The confusion on that last play overpowered my happiness with San Mig's win.
I just followed every article regarding that last game after because I was curious what was running in LA's mind that time. A write-up, where LA said that he'll comment about the incident after niyang bumawi, moved me. I really felt the leadership and passion in that lone statement of his. He never deserved those negative comments he got because that one incident last Game 5 doesn't solely define what he is as a player. And what makes me say that? Let me tell you.
I was bored today so I tried watching some Smart Gilas games and I can truly say that LA Tenorio plays from the heart. He is more than a point-guard. He is an inspiration to his teammates, an effective play-maker, a leader, and the only Tenyente this country can have. Why define him as the patalo because of one mistake in a game as compared to when he was the hero of many games, not just in the PBA but in the world-wide competitions as well? That Jones Cup 2012 finals where Philippines was against the USA, he was branded as the hero because he was the big reason (but all of the players contributed as well) why Philippines got that title. He also gave a big impact to the FIBA-Asia 2013 win that made the Philippines grab the silver medal. Don't deny that he was also the main reason why Ginebra is in the semi-finals right now. Yes, Aguilar, Slaughter and other Ginebra players had a tremendous conference but let us accept the fact that these players wouldn't have given splendid baskets without the help of the effective play-making of an LA Tenorio.
But one thing that I remember most about LA Tenorio was when I watched the Smart Gilas game against Jordan live. I was in the lower box (really close from the Gilas bench) and I can see the game up-close. Though a lot of players really stepped up in that game, LA Tenorio was the one that was marked permanently in my mind. He was all over the floor, para siyang kiti-kiti sa buong basketball court. This struck me kasi sobrang sipag niya kapag sinasalang siya ni Coach Chot sa game. By the way he played (and still plays), everyone can see the determination and the love he has for basketball.
Less than 2 hours from now will be the start of the Game 6 of Manila Clasico and expect LA Tenorio to bounce back. To you LA Tenorio (I hope you read this), don't mind all those bashers out there. There are a lot of people who support you. Don't give up because that's not what you're known for. Sabi nga ng Ginebra, NEVER SAY DIE. And we know that your mind and your heart is also shouting this as well. Remember, you will always be our "TENYENTE".
