THERE seems to be no slowing down Barangay Ginebra star point guard LA Tenorio even after the end of the PBA Philippine Cup won by the Kings.
Since crashing into the league after San Miguel made him the fourth overall pick of the 2006 draft, the 36-year-old guard has already played in 663 consecutive games - a streak that should keep going as the PBA's Iron Man prepares for the 46th season.
He swears there's no secret formula to his durability.
"Hindi ko ma-explain kung paano ko nagagawa talaga," Tenorio told PBA.ph.
"But the bottom line is getting ready every game -- physically, mentally, emotionally -- setting aside all the problems kung ano meron ako sa labas ng basketball court. I just want to play. I just want to enjoy every game, enjoying the company of my teammates. Parang yun yung comfort zone ko talaga eh."
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Tenorio showcased his stamina in the recent bubble tournament. He checked in for the Philippine Cup a few days after undergoing an appendectomy procedure prompting coach Tim Cone to manage his minutes.
But the six-time PBA champion persevered and slowly picked up his game as the tournament progressed.
Tenorio was back in harness at the right time, playing a key role to lead the Kings past the Meralco Bolts in a grueling five-game series in the semifinal round and against the TNT Tropang Giga in the best-of-seven finals series. Ginebra closed out the series in five games.
For Tenorio, his passion for the game of basketball played a big part in his staying power.
"Wala naman kasi akong alam gawin kung hindi mag-basketball eh," he added.
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"So I want to make sure that I'll make the most out of it. For me, this is truly God-given talent and ayaw kong i-take for granted. So, every game, every practice, I'll make sure I'll do everything right. Bottom line is enjoying the game. Enjoying the game with my teammates and most especially, enjoying the game with the opposing team."
"Sa tagal ko na rin kasi sa PBA, mga naging kaibigan ko na rin talaga eh. Not only players, but also the coaches from the other teams na naging teammates ko before. It's really a happy place for me. Kung ang mga bata gusto ang Disneyland, ako basketball court ang happy place ko eh."
Since surpassing four-time PBA MVP and league Hall of Famer Alvin Patrimonio (596) for most consecutive games played, Tenorio has not missed a game since. And now, he is already looking forward to playing his next game in the coming season. (RJ)
