Pasig City - Barangay Ginebra's seasoned playmaker LA Tenorio is set to return to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) court after a 10-month hiatus due to health challenges. Tenorio, who recently completed treatment for Stage 3 colon cancer in Singapore, will rejoin his team in their upcoming match against Terrafirma at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Sunday. This marks his first game since his diagnosis in February.
According to Philippines News Agency, in a recent interview with the Philippine News Agency, Tenorio expressed his enthusiasm and positive outlook for not just the upcoming game but for the entire season. The PBA Commissioner's Cup defending champions, currently holding a 3-1 record, aim to secure their third consecutive win in the 6:15 p.m. game. Tenorio acknowledges the challenge ahead, particularly in readjusting to competitive basketball and integrating with new teammates.
The 39-year-old, known for his resilience and dubbed the "Iron Man" of the PBA for his record-breaking streak of 744 consecutive games over 17 years, had his streak end on March 1 due to a groin injury. Shortly after, he revealed his cancer diagnosis. During his treatment and recovery period, Tenorio remained active in basketball, serving as the assistant coach for Gilas Pilipinas, which triumphed at the 19th China Asian Games in October.
Tenorio expressed gratitude for the support he received from his family, friends, team management, coaches, and the broader sports community during his recovery. As he prepares for his comeback, he remains realistic about the journey ahead, acknowledging the gradual nature of his return to peak performance.