LA Tenorio FTW!

It's funny how pre-game concerns mesh with on-the-court realities. Before the game, we analyzed LA Tenorio's minutes per game. We realized it must feel like he's playing 4 hours of basketball each time Alaska hits the court.

I'm not even sure if wearing a Miami Heat "power balance" necklace before games is the right thing to do considering LA was scoreless in his last game. Just kidding.



So PBA Courtside Reporter Jinno Rufino and I chatted with LA before the game vs SMB. Tenorio admitted that he wishes he could get more rest. But as PBA Courtside Reporter Dominic Uy pointed out to us, Tim Cone doesn't like having his point guards compete for the starting spot. Cone doesn't want his starting PG's to feel threatened in any way. Hence, Cone isn't inclined to recruit another natural point guard. Hence, LA shouldn't expect to see more bench time soon.

Johnny A was Alaska's undisputed starting PG for many years. Jun Reyes was his able back-up. Cone drafted Mike Cortez as the over-all number one pick in 2003. Cortez was likewise the undisputed starting PG for several seasons. And now, Tenorio is the undisputed starting PG and it seems to be taking its toll.

So LA shared that the coaches are trying to look for a back-up natural PG (Bonbon Custodio and Topex Robinson aren't natural PG's) that won't be a threat to his starting position. Jinno and I immediately volunteered our services.

"Kung ayaw mo threat, eh di kami nalang," I said. "Willing ako maglaro kahit league minimum salary. Or kahit gatas na lang pambayad niyo sa akin."

After last night's game-winning three by LA over Alex Cabagnot, which btw settled the score with Cabagnot, I'm even more sure, in the suntok-sa-buwan possibility that I make Alaska's line-up, that I won't make Tenorio worry one bit. But as far as Jinno and I are concerned, E-Cow's slot is still up for grabs... MH

Thanks to xxxtamadoxxxxx for the quick youtube upload!



And thanks to jazdelrosario for this one. LA to Alex, "Quits na tayo":