MANILA, Philippines — Barangay Ginebra veteran LA Tenorio could be back on active duty as early as Sunday after his recovery from colon cancer.
Tenorio was forced to end his streak as the PBA’s “Iron Man‘’ in March and spent the next months undergoing treatment. Last September, he was declared cancer-free then started practicing again the following month, setting his inspirational comeback in motion.
“LA is expecting to return to play on Dec. 3,” coach Tim Cone told The STAR.
“We’re all excited for him. He’s been practicing with us for the last several weeks, so he should be ready. We miss his leadership on the floor.”
The Gin Kings (3-1) are set for a showdown with Terrafirma (2-2) on the said date, which could be Tenorio’s comeback game after his last appearance on Feb. 19 in the Season 46 Governors’ Cup.
The 39-year-old Tenorio had logged a league-record 744 straight appearances before the hiatus.
Meanwhile, Cone is also optimistic to have Jamie Malonzo back in the fold after sitting out Ginebra’s 90-87 win over Blackwater last Sunday due to the wrist injury he sustained two nights before against Rain or Shine.
“Jamie has two days to get the (wrist’s) swelling down but we’re targeting that he’ll play Sunday,” said Cone.
Ginebra is likewise keeping its fingers crossed that Scottie Thompson wasn’t hit by anything serious when he hurt his left knee in the second quarter of Sunday’s game.
“He was able to play and continued to play (after the incident), didn’t have to sit down so it’s good news…hopefully, nothing major or anything like that,” said Cone.