L. A. begs for understanding

Barangay Ginebra guard L. A. Tenorio said the other day withdrawing from the Gilas pool for the coming FIBA Asia Championships was the most difficult decision he’s ever made in his basketball career as it came with mixed emotions in agonizing over a dilemma.

“To be honest, it wasn’t an easy decision,” said the 31-year-old Tenorio. “I asked a lot of people for advice. My wife wanted me to play for Gilas. In the end, it was a personal decision, nothing to do with the San Miguel Group. In fairness, the San Miguel Group gave us players the option, it was up to us. So I weighed the pros and cons. I spoke to coach Tim (Cone).  As a former Gilas coach, he understood my situation. On the one hand, he wanted me to play for Gilas. On the other hand, he wanted me to focus on Ginebra. My problem is I only have one body.”

Tenorio said he took the brunt of the flak for Ginebra’s failure to advance beyond the quarterfinals in any conference last season. “I’m really sad that we let down management and the fans,” he said. “We couldn’t even get to the semifinals. With Ginebra, the expectations are always high. There’s big pressure to turn things around and now with coach Tim, I think we can do it. But we’ve got to work harder than ever.  That’s why focus is so important. I’ve contributed a lot to Gilas in the past, I’ve always been ready to play. Now, it’s time for me to give 100 percent to Ginebra. I’m entering my contract year so that’s on my mind, taking care of my family’s future. I’m appealing for fans to understand. I’m not leaving Gilas, I’m not turning my back. I’m just taking a leave for this coming FIBA Asia Championships. Next time, I hope I’ll be considered for the pool again and if not, I’m willing to try out.”

Tenorio said playing for Gilas is beyond basketball. “It’s an honor to play for our country,” he said. “What I’ll miss about Gilas is the camaraderie. We’ve gone through a lot as a team. I’ll always cherish the memories. I was surprised that the day after Andray (Blatche) arrived, he texted me asking where I am. This decision was the hardest I’ve ever made. I decided with a heavy heart.”

Last campaign, Tenorio averaged 9.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists in 37 games, including 22 starts. His single-game high was 22 points, the lowest in a season since 2006-07 when he broke in as a rookie. It was also the first season in his last seven where Tenorio failed to average in double figure points.

Tenorio said he’ll miss the foreign competition and overseas training with Gilas. “You can’t replace the learning you get especially from Europe,” he said. “When we’re abroad, I always take down notes on coaching and training. I’m preparing myself to become a coach someday. I try to learn from every coach I play for. With Ginebra, we’ve had seven coaching changes in the last eight conferences, going from coach Siot Tanquingcen, to coach Alfrancis Chua to coach Juno Sauler to coach Ato Agustin to coach Jeff Cariaso back to coach Ato to coach Frankie Lim and now, coach Tim. I pick up the best lessons from every coach. With Ateneo, I played for four coaches in five years from coach Joe Lipa to coach Joel Banal to coach Sandy Arrespacochaga and to coach Norman Black. So I’m blessed to have learned from the best coaches in our country.”

With Cone, Tenorio said he’s excited to be reunited with his former Alaska coach. “I played 5 1/2 years for coach Tim at Alaska,” he said. “I’m not only excited to play for him again but also excited for my teammates. The young guys like Japeth Aguilar, Greg Slaughter and Chris Ellis will learn a lot from him.