Alvin Patrimonio has nothing but admiration for LA Tenorio break on the night the Ginebra guard surpassed his record for consecutive games.
Tenorio highlighted Sunday's Manila Clasico between Ginebra and Magnolia Pambansang Manok as he officially distinguished himself as the PBA's Iron Man.
The Purefoods legend, now Magnolia team manager offered gladly congratulated Tenorio for achieving the rare feat at halftime of the closely-fought encounter at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Patrimonio expressed confidence that Tenorio's record of 597 straight games will stand the test of time.
"I'm happy for him," offered Patrimonio shortly after the Kings outlasted the Hotshots, 96-93, in overtime.
win over his team. "Dati binreak ko lang yung kay Kuya Dante (Gonzalgo) at naging 596 tas si LA ngayon. I believe mas tatagal pa yun (record)."
Sponsored content:
Patrimonio earned the 'Iron Man' title by breaking Dante Gonzalgo's record of 280 straight games. He extended the streak to 596 until his retirement in Nov. 2004.
Tenorio has never missed a game since entering pro in 2006, something that has impressed the four-time Most Valuable Player even more.
"He deserves it kasi start of his career pa lang up to now hindi pa siya nakakamiss ng games. Ako, parang middle of my career ko ginawa yung consecutive games," confessed Patrimonio, who started piling up his record in 1992.
"Siyempre it's all about yung passion and love for the game. Ayaw mong mag-miss ng game or practice kasi parang giving back yun sa team, sa fans and sa league.
"But talagang saludo ako sa accomplishment ni LA, dapat di na siya Tenyente, dapat Captain na siya," added Patrimonio in jest.
Sponsored content:
It's marked the second time this year that Patrimonio record has been surpassed.
Last January, San Miguel's June Mar Fajardo claimed his fifth Most Valuable Player award, one more than Patrimonio's and Ramon Fernandez's, who both won four MVP trophies.
Patrimonio said both Fajardo and Tenorio are worthy successor. (JT)
