Tenorio, Thoss return to Gilas shortly after Finals

MANILA, Philippines – No rest for the weary.

After a grueling run for their respective teams in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, Best Player of the Conference LA Tenorio and Finals Most Valuable Player Sonny Thoss return to Gilas training today.

“This is my responsibility as a basketball player. Kumbaga, ito ang calling ko. I want to be part of history,” Tenorio said.

Thoss, who averaged a double-double (14 point and 10 rebounds) and helped slow down Ginebra import Vernon Macklin in the Finals, gave credit to his teammates for his first Finals MVP award.

“It was not just me. I have Robert behind me and the guards were waiting as well. My job was easy. I just stayed in front of him,” Thoss said. “When Macklin makes a move, my teammates were there for me. They should get the bigger credit.”

Thoss had only one day to enjoy the championship though and the challenge now is to be healthy for the Gilas campaign.   

“I’m going to re-focus for Gilas. My back is okay. It’s my knee which bothers me a little bit. I’ll get that fixed and go from there,” Thoss said.

The Gilas Pilipinas is embarking on a two-month preparation that includes a camp in Europe and other international pocket tournaments for the FIBA-Asia Men’s Basketball Championship that will take place in the country this August.