Barangay Ginebra playing assistant coach LA Tenorio believes the Gilas squad that will go to Cambodia will reclaim the men’s basketball title of the Southeast Asian Games.
“We have held the title for so long. Let’s get it back, kayang-kaya yan,” said Tenorio, who was part of the last men’s Philippine team that won the title, back in the 2019 SEA Games.
Interestingly, it was his first stint as a Philippine national athlete in the SEA Games and the 115-81 blowout against Thailand was still fresh in his mind on the night he scored 16 points to help Team Philippines bag its 13th straight gold medal in the biennial meet.
“I was happy and grateful to receive my first gold medal in the SEA Games. That was also my first time to play in SEA Games,” recalled Tenorio, who guested the recent partnership announcement of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and the San Miguel Corporation for the World Cup.
Gilas opens its title-reclaiming bid against Malaysia on May 9, before facing Cambodia on May 11 and Singapore on May 13.
Bracketed in Group B are Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and defending champion Indonesia, which dethroned the Philippines in the Vietnam SEA Games last year.
Meanwhile, Tenorio also hopes that the Gilas team that will see action in the FIBA World Cup in August will make history.
“I hope magawa nila makapasok sa semifinals. They have a big chance na magawa nila yan. They have to seize the moment and cherish the experience of playing in front of our countrymen.,” said Tenorio on Tuesday during the partnership announcement of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and the San Miguel Corporation for the World Cup.
“They just have to work harder. Don’t get intimidated. It can be done,” added Tenorio, who was tapped as one of the FIBA World Cup local ambassadors.
Tenorio has temporarily stopped playing basketball after he announced last month his battle with stage 3 colon cancer. His role as World Cup ambassador makes him more excited as he looks forward to doing things for the historic event.
“I look forward to activities na naka line-up and I’m happy to help SBP for this coming World Cup.”
The former Gilas stalwart also revealed that he is doing well in his recovery as he still does normal workouts, albeit slowly.
“So far, I’m still working out, doing slow cardio workouts, and a lot of walking by playing golf. I’m not stopping. Still doing the normal things, but I’m listening to my body.”
Tenorio had worn the Gilas uniform several times. His best achievement in Gilas uniform was when they won the 2012 William Jones Cup, finishing with a 7-1 record, capped by a victory over the USA squad in their last game.