LA looms as King-sized threat to Aces

Game tomorrow (Smart Araneta Coliseum)

7:30 p.m. – Alaska vs Ginebra

MANILA, Philippines - There is no other personal conflict more intriguing than the dilemma confronting LA Tenorio – the former Alaska Ace and now the Ginebra King.

Tenorio’s swashbuckling performance in the rubber match against Talk n Text last Sunday could be seen as a self-imposed mission to seal a title showdown with the team that nurtured his growth to become one of the PBA’s top playmakers.

“I must admit I’m extra motivated in this series,” said Tenorio, who fired 12 of his topscoring 28 points in the fourth quarter to key the Gin Kings’ 111-103 victory over the Tropang Texters in their sudden death for the other finals berth in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Alaska dealt Tenorio to Ginebra prior to the start of the 2012-13 season. But the trade has turned out a real win-win deal for both Alaska and Tenorio with the Aces flourishing with equally dependable guard Jayvee Casio and the former Ateneo guard having his great ride with the Kings.

“The problem is that I’ve never had a single good game against Alaska. They’re a tough matchup for us especially in this conference,” said Tenorio.

“If we faced tough matchups versus Rain or Shine and Talk n Text, we’re to face even tougher matchup against Alaska. They’re solid, filled with dependable players on all spots,” added Tenorio.

He mentioned Sonny Thoss who provides Rob Dozier a big help in defending rival imports.

“The presence of Thoss makes Dozier fresher than Vernon Macklin,” Tenorio pointed out.

Subplots also abound in the upcoming best-of-seven title series with Alaska’s Luigi Trillo and Ginebra’s Alfrancis Chua both seeking to join the elite roster of PBA champion mentors.

Still, the most interesting sideshow is Alaska’s battle with its former premier guard – very much in the prime of his career and currently the leading contender for the Best Player of the Conference award.

 Chua said Tenorio picking up the cudgels for the team that is sorely missing the services of injured reigning MVP Mark Caguioa is astounding in itself. 

“He really carried the team. He took over as the team’s leader when Mark was sidelined,” said Chua.

The 2012 Jones Cup MVP also doesn’t think Alaska workhorse and sparkplug Calvin Abueva would be much of a problem for Ginebra.

“We have players who can match up with him. Rudy Hatfield and Mac Baracael are there,” said Tenorio.

Curiously, Tenorio and Abueva are the chief contenders for the Best Player of the Conference plum. Dozier and Macklin, meanwhile, are the leading bets for the Best Import award.

The Kings are in the title hunt after surviving no less than four do-or-die matches in the Cebuana Lhuillier PBA playoffs.

“It’s virtually two twice-to-beat (disadvantages that we’ve survived). It’s big preparation for us going into the finals,” said Tenorio.

It’s the fourth Ginebra-Alaska finale, the first since the Commissioner’s Cup title playoff won by the Kings (then Gordon’s Gin Boars) in 1997. It was coach Robert Jaworski’s last championship.

Overhauled during the off-season and given a new head coach prior to the second conference, Ginebra is back in the finals after placing second to Talk n Text in the 2011 Commissioner’s Cup.

The Kings see action in their 20th titular series, going for a first crown in five years and ninth in all in franchise history.