LA Tenorio new PBA Iron Man – a consummate pro

MANILA, Philippines — Barring any hitch, LA Tenorio is to become the PBA’s new Mr. Iron Man, grabbing the title from Alvin Patrimonio in the Ginebra-Magnolia tiff Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

But just as Tenorio matched Patrimonio’s record in successive career games Sunday during the Ginebra-Phoenix Pulse match, the Ginebra ace playmaker drew tribute and praises from peers, foes, coaches and cage officials.

Tenorio made his 596th consecutive games extra meaningful in collecting 23 points, eight rebounds and five assists to win the Best Player of the Game honors in their 100-97 conquest of the Fuel Masters.

The former Ateneo stalwart hasn’t missed a game since joining the PBA as the No. 4 pick of San Miguel Beer in the PBA Rookie Draft in 2006.

 And into his 13th year in the pros at age 34, Tenorio is still on top of his game – just consider a return stint with Team Phl in the fifth window of the FIBA World Cup qualifier.

“Even more impressive than LA Tenorio’s 596 straight games is that he’s always made himself available for the national team,” said former Gilas coach Chot Reyes on his Twitter account.

“From the Jones Cup and FIBA Asia Cup in 2012 to 2013 FIBA Asia to the 2014 World Cup, not only did he not miss a game, he did not even miss a single practice,” Reyes added.

From his high school days in San Beda to all his years in the pros, Tenorio remembered missing in action only when he suffered a fractured hand while with the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the 2002 UAAP season.

“Nakabalik ako in the Final Four, and I don’t remember missing any more games,” said Tenorio, thankful for the health and all the blessings given him by the Lord Almighty.

Tenorio said good health, sacrifice, hard work and discipline are the ingredients of his Iron Man run.

But the Nasugbu, Batangas native is himself amazed with his feat.

“Para makarating sa ganung sitwasyon, it takes a lot of sacrifice, hard work and discipline. As long as I can play, I will play. And hopefully yung legacy na maiiwan ko dito sa PBA, maging inspiration sa mga aspiring basketball players,” he said.