MANILA, Philippines – After NBA superstar Manu Ginobili announced that he will play for his country Argentina in the upcoming FIBA World Cup, the whole Filipino basketball community, including members of the national squad, were elated.
That includes, most especially, Gilas Pilipinas point guard LA Tenorio.
The 29-year-old playmaker said that he is eager to play against Ginobili, currently part of the core of the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA.
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But first, Tenorio must make it to the final lineup.
"Na-e-excite rin (to play against Ginobli), pero hindi ko naman alam kung mala-lineup ako," the Ginebra court general told Philstar.com during the launch of their uniforms crafted by Nike Philippines at Treston International College in Taguig City on Thursday night
Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes said he still needs to choose 12 players from a 15-man pool, which is composed of talented local players who can help the team in its quest for a decent finish at the World Cup.
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"It's wide open (lineup). They all know that nobody has a lock spot," said Reyes, who led the nationals to the world stage after a historic second-place finish in last year’s FIBA Asia Championships.
If everything goes well in favor of Tenorio, he vowed to give his best against Ginobili, a four-time NBA champion with the Spurs and one of the greatest international players ever.
"I'll be honored. (It is) one for the books for me, for my career," the 2012 Jones Cup MVP said.
"Hindi ko alam kung kailan ko ulit makakalaro yung mga ganung klaseng players. I'll cherish it and I'll make sure na I'll compete with them, I'll compete with the best of the best," Tenorio added.
Gilas Pilipinas is grouped with Argentina along with Senegal, Puerto Rico, Greece and Croatia in the tournament to be held in Spain this August.