Tenorio looks good, returns to practice

MANILA, Philippines — Barangay Ginebra veteran LA Tenorio is well on course for his inspiring comeback to competitive basketball.

Now cancer-free, Tenorio rejoined the Gin Kings’ practice a day after arriving from China, where he helped Tim Cone coach Gilas Pilipinas to the coveted Asian Games gold medal.

“Back to work! Grateful and thankful everyday! NSD (Never Say Die)!” Tenorio wrote in a post on Instagram accompanying a photo of his legs on ice packs.

Tenorio, 39, was forced to end his Ironman streak of 744 consecutive games in the PBA last March due to sickness, which was later disclosed as colon cancer.

The eight-time champion spent over six months of treatment and was eventually declared cancer-free and cleared to practice late last month right before Gilas went to the Asiad.

Tenorio helped the players learn Cone’s system in China and even joined them in their training sessions.

“He looks good in the scrimmages,” said a Gilas official on the comebacking playmaker.

The Gin Kings are preparing for the fast-approaching Commissioner’s Cup minus Justin Brownlee, Scottie Thompson and Japeth Aguilar for now.

The Asiad campaigners aren’t expected to be in back in camp until finishing a well-deserved breather following Gilas’ grueling stint in Hangzhou.

“Kami ang pinaka-late mag-eensayo (as a complete team),” Ginebra governor Alfrancis Chua said.

Chua, who served as Gilas’ team manager, has given the Gilas mainstays a 10-day vacation upon their return from Hangzhou.

He hopes a stay-in in Laguna will help do the trick ahead of the title-retention drive.

“We’re planning for the team to stay sa Laguna for five days para lang magkasama-sama ulit kasi matagal nagkahiwa-hiwalay. Gagawan ko ng paraan kung paano kami makaka-catch up sa ibang teams,” said Chua.

“Unti-unti pero makakabawi yan sa darating na Nov. 5 (opening),” he added.

San Miguel Beer is in the same boat with June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez needing to recharge after their stints in the Asiad as well as the FIBA World Cup.

The league’s decision to push back the season-opening Commissioner’s Cup from its initial start date of Oct. 15 was heaven-sent for Chua’s team.

“Nagpapasalamat din ako sa PBA na minove